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Lieutenant-Colonel  104th    Ills.   Vol.  Inf..   1862. 


THE    HISTORY 

OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH   REGIMENT  OF 
ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEER  INFANTRY. 

WAR    OF    THE 

GREAT   REBELLION 

1562-1565 

BY 

WILLIAM  W1RT  CALKINS 

FIRST    LIEUTENANT    OF   COMPANY    E,    ONE    HUNDRED    AND 

FOURTH    REGIMENT,    AND    AIDE  DE  CAMP    STAFF 

OF  GENERAL  JOHN  BEATTY. 


HISTORICAL  COMMITTEE. 

FRANK  M.  SAPP,  JOHN  H.  WIDMER, 

MILTON  B.  BUSHNELL,         WILLIAM  W.  CALKINS. 


CHICAGO: 
DONOHUE  &  HENNEBERRY, 

PRINTERS,    ENGRAVERS   AND    BINDERS, 

1895. 


E505 
-5 


PREFACE. 

Comrades : — 

Those  of  you  who  have  attended  the  annual  reunions 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  are  familiar  with  the 
measures  taken  to  insure  the  writing  and  publication 
of  the  military  history  of  the  Regiment  in  the  war  of 
the  Great  Rebellion.  Nearly  thirty  years  had  rolled 
away  and  nothing  in  the  matter  accomplished,  while 
all  felt  that  the  work  had  been  neglected  too  long.  The 
ranks  were  growing  thinner  from  year  to  year  as  one 
and  another  answered  to  the  "roll  call"  above.  The 
survivors  had  passed,  or  were  passing  into  the  sere  and 
yellow  leaf  of  autumn.  There  was  a  conviction — in 
which  I  earnestly  shared,  that  the  glorious  record  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  should  be  embodied  in  the- 
permanent  form  of  history,  in  order  that  it  might  be- 
handed  down  to  our  children  and  those  wrho  wrill  soon-, 
follow  us  on  the  stage  of  human  action,  to  show  them 
the  sacrifices  made,  the  sufferings  and  labors  endured,, 
that  the  Union  might  be  preserved  and  the  blessings 
of  liberty  maintained  and  secured,  for  them  and  man 
kind.  At  the  annual  reunion  held  in  Streator,  in  Sep 
tember,  1892,  all  the  previous  feeble  attempts  to  initiate 
the  movement  for  a  history  assumed  definite  shape 
in  the  "Resolutions"  presented  upon  that  occasion. 
These  were  heartily  and  unanimously  adopted  and 
more  than  one-half  of  the  money  required  for  expenses 
subscribed  then  and  there.  By  a  process  which  seems 
like  a  fatality,  the  choice  of  an  Historian  to  chronicle 
your  achievements,  fell  upon  the  writer.  I  desire  to 
say,  that  whatever  the  wisdom  that  led  to  this  result,. 
I  did  not  evade  a  call  that  seemed  like  a  duty.  Under 
such  circumstances  the  task  was  undertaken  and  has. 
been  carried  forward  under  difficulties  and  discourage 
ments  hard  to  appreciate,  as  well  as  at  the  sacrifice  of 
personal  interests.  It  is  now  completed,  and  in  writing 


MJL67387 


the  History  my  aim  has  been  to  show  clearly  what  the 
.Regiment  accomplished  as  a  part  of  the  Grand  Armies 
of  the  Union,  by  detailing  minutely  your  movements, 
•campaigns  and  battles;  to  tell  the  truth  and  the  facts, 
and  to  write  without  prejudice.  Where  I  have 
expressed  opinions  it  is  without  prejudice.  An 
endeavor  has  been  made  to  give  credit  where  it  is 
due,  but  it  will  be  seen  that,  with  the  means  of  infor 
mation  at  hand,  after  thirty  years,  it  could  riot  always 
be  done.  My  attempts  to  reach  every  surviving  sol- 
<lier,  and  to  learn  about  those  who  are  dead,  entailed 
upon  me  a  vast  amount  of  extra  labor,  time  and 
-expense,  and  even  then  were  not  always  successful, 
but  on  the  whole  I  was  encouraged  by  the  great  major 
ity  of  the  living  members.  A  number  sent  me  valu 
able  material,  such  as  diaries,  notes  of  personal  ex 
periences,  etc.  These  have  been  utilized  as  far  as 
possible.  The  three  chapters  of  Reminiscences  and 
Incidents  written  by  members  of  the  Regiment,  will 
be  found  interesting.  While  I  have  been  encouraged 
by  all,  yet  the  following  comrades  who  have  aided 
me  deserve  mention:  Sherman  Leland,  George  Marsh, 
Marshall  Bagwill,  William  H.  Conard,  Captain  W. 
Strawn,  C.  C.  Courtright,  C.  G.  Phillips,  Captain  W. 
Proctor,  Major  J.  H.  Widmer,  Lieutenant  A.  Prescott, 
J.  C.  Deegan,  H.  Winterscheidt,  S.  W.  Burgess,  Lieu 
tenant  P.  Talbot,  Lieutenant  S.  V.  Arnold,  A.  Moffitt, 
Joseph  Burkart,  Captain  F.  M.  Sapp.  I  desire  also 
to  express  my  obligations  to  Mrs.  Douglas  Hapeman, 
Mrs.  Jas.  M,  Leighton  and  Mrs.  Sarah  P.  Center  for 
access  to  valuable  papers;  also  to  Dr.  Charles  M.  Clark, 
the  accomplished  historian  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Illinois 
Infantry,  for  kindly  advice  and  suggestions.  My 
thanks  for  many  favors  are  also  extended  to  Colonel 
Douglas  Hapeman.  It  is  due  myself  to  say  that 
in  addition  to  the  general  writing  of  the  History, 
all  the  sketches  of  companies,  except  that  of  K, 
and  all  the  biographies  but  two  or  three,  were 
written  by  me  from  necessity,  and  because  no  one 
else  would  or  could  do  the  work.  This  labor  was 


very  tedious  and  required  great  care  and  patience. 
The  rosters  after  being  written  were  submitted  to 
officers  and  members  of  the  companies  for  correction, 
and  when  returned,  re-written.  The  utmost  care  has 
been  taken  to  have  the  biographies  as  correct  and 
complete  as  possible.  Hundreds  of  letters  were  writ 
ten  by  me  on  this  subject  alone,  and  the  most  persist 
ent  efforts  made  to  obtain  the  record  of  every  soldier. 
No  one  can  justly  complain  if  his  biography  is  meager. 
The  numerous  pictures  of  members  will  be  of  interest, 
though  some  now  grizzled  veterans  will  hardly  recog 
nize  themselves  or  others,  as  they  looked  thirty  years 
ago.  And,  now,  I  will  say  in  closing,  that  after  hav 
ing  given  so  much  of  my  thought,  time  and  labor,  for 
so  long  a  period,  to  the  preparation  and  writing  of  the 
History  of  our  gallant  Regiment,  I,  at  last,  lay  down 
the  pen  with  some  reluctance,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
while  engaged  in  the  work  I  lived  over  the  old  war 
times  and  the  past  became  a  present  reality.  I  mingled 
again  in  the  novel  and  stirring  scenes  connected  with 
the  organization  of  our  Regiment,  its  departure  for  the 
front,  and  its  various  fortunes  in  nearly  three  years  of 
marches,  campaigns  and  battles.  Absorbed  in  the 
subject,  it  was  hard  to  realize  that  all  was  over  and 
buried — except  in  memory;  that  "The  mill  will  not 
grind  with  the  water  that  is  passed,"  and  those  of  us 
who  still  survive — fortunately  or  unfortunately — have 
only  recollections  left,  pleasing  or  otherwise,  in  pro 
portion  to  the  manner  in  which  we  performed  our 
duty  in  the  days  of  the  Nation's  distress.  If  the 
objects  for  which  I  set  out  have  been  accomplished 
to  the  satisfaction  of  my  comrades  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth,  I  shall  feel  that  my  time  and  labor 
have  not  been  spent  in  vain. 

WILLIAM   W.   CALKINS. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   1. 


Remarks  on  the  Impending  Struggle— The  Fall  of  Fort  Sumter— 
Call  for  Troops— Disasters  of  1861-2— The  Crisis  of  1862— Up 
rising  of  the  Nation— 600,000  Men  Enlisted  in  Two  Months...  1 

CHAPTER  II. 


What  La  Salle  County  Had  Done — The    Organization  of    the    One 
Hundred  and  Fourth— Election  of  Field  Officers 7 

CHAPTER  III. 


Flag  Presentation — March  to  Camp  Wallace — Scenes  in  the  Camp 
— Running  the  Guard — Marching  Orders  Received — The  Field 
and  Staff — Packing  Up 13 

CHAPTER  IV. 


Leaving  for  the  Front— Arrival  at  Camp  Holt— Getting  Settled 
—Issue  of  Clothing  and  Arms— Drilling— Removal  to  "Camp 
Brickbat"— March  Over  the  Ohio— Buckner's  Plantation— Grand 
Review— Exciting  News— March  to  Louisville— Camp  Wilder- 
Work  on  the  Fortifications— Killing  of  General  Nelson— Presi 
dent's  Proclamation— Under  Marching  Orders 17 

CHAPTER  V. 


Leaving  Camp  Wilder— A  Hard  March— Arrive  at  Shelbyville— 
Confiscate  Wagons — Attempt  to  Recover  Contrabands — March 
to  Frankfort— Hasty  Retreat  of  the  Rebels— Colonel  Limberg's 
Arrest— Company  E  Raises  a  Flag— Wild  Goose  Chase  After 
Morgan— March  to  Bowling  Green— Suffering  by  the  Way- 
Arrival  at  Bowling  Green — Review  and  Speech  by  Gener 
al  Rosecrans— Thirty-Ninth  Brigade  Detached— Colonel  Scott 
Assumes  Command..  .  30 


CHAPTER   VI. 


March  to  Glasgow— "No  Bob"— Arrival  at  Tompkinsville— Chas 
ing  Guerrillas— Attack  on  the  Pickets— Threatening  Demon 
stration  by  Rebel  Cavalry— Hasty  Exit  and  Night  March- 
Goose  Greek  Valley— Thanksgiving  Celebrated— Arrival  at 
Hartsville — Colonel  Moore  Assumes  Command — The  Situation 
and  Troops— Portents  of  Danger 46 

CHAPTER    VII. 


The    Battle    of    Hartsville,    Tennessee,    and   Capture    of   the    One 
Hundred  and  Fourth 61 

CHAPTER  VIII. 


Go  to  Parole  Camp  at  Columbus — Taking  French  Furloughs — De 
serters — Remove  to  Camp  Douglas — Guarding  Rebel  Prisoners 
— Treatment  of  Rebel  Prisoners — Off  for  Nashville — Guarding 
the  Capitol — Go  to  Brentwood — Return  to  Nashville — At  Mur- 
freesboro — In  Beatty's  Brigade — Prepare  to  Advance — Order 
for  Movement  Issued 77 

CHAPTER   IX. 


The  Tullahoma  Campaign — Advance  to  Hoover's  Gap — Wilder's 
Charge — McCook  at  Liberty  Gap — Occupation  of  Manchester 
— Beatty's  Brigade  Sent  to  Hillsboro — Attacked  by  Cavalry — 
Rejoins  Negley— Bragg  Retreats— Tullahoma  Occupied— Beat 
ty's  Advance  to  Elk  River — Seven  Miles  of  Fighting — Stock 
ade  Captured  by  a  Detachment  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth — The  Rebels  Fall  Back — Rejoicing  over  Gettysburg 
and  Vicksburg — In  Camp 88 

CHAPTER    X. 


The  Chickamauga  Campaign  and  Battle  of  Chickamauga 101 

CHAPTER   XL 


The  Siege  of  Chattanooga 153 

CHAPTER   XII. 


The  Battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge 166 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


The  Flanking  of   Dalton— Advance  to  the  Etowah— Battles  of  Re- 
saca  and  New  Hope  Church— Seizure  of  Allatoona 192 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


The  Battles  Around  Kenesaw  Mountain — Johnston's  Withdrawal 
Beyond  the  Chattahoochee— Battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek— Bat 
tle  of  Atlanta..  .  214 


CHAPTER  XV. 


The  Siege  and  Fall  of  Atlanta 229 

CHAPTER  XVI. 


• 


Pursuit  of  Hood  and  Return  to  Atlanta..  ...243 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


The  March  from  Atlanta  to   the   Sea— Siege    and   Fall   of    Savan 
nah    .  .    255 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


The    March    Through    the  Carolinas— Battle    of    Averysboro    and 
Bentonville    283 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


The   Last   Campaign— March  to  Raleigh— President  Lincoln's  As 
sassination—Johnston's  Surrender— End  of  the  War 311 


CHAPTER    XX. 


Off  for  Washington— Race  With    the    Twentieth    Corps    to    Rich 
mond—The  Grand  Revi?w— Muster  Out  and  Return  Home.. 318 


CHAPTER    XXI. 


Reminiscences  of  Our  First  Three  Months'  Service,  Includ 
ing  Hartsville,  by  Captain  William  Strawn,  Company  F  — 
Reminiscences  of  the  Atlanta  Campaign,  etc.,  by  Henry  Win- 
terscheidt,  Company  B — A  Movable  Fort,  by  Sergeant  William 
H.  Conard,  Company  E — Yankees  Without  Horns,  by  Charles 
Rice,  Company  I — Narrative  of  Peter  Dinger,  Company  G — 
Narrative  of  Gilbert  R.  Conarroe,  Company  B  —  Recollections 
of  Lieutenant  Randolph  and  Others,  etc.,  by  Robert  West,  Com 
pany  B — An  Incident  of  Lieutenant  Arnold  of  Company  A — 
Reminiscences  of  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  the  Siege  of  Atlanta, 
by  Captain  William  Strawn,  Company  F— Personal  Recol 
lections  of  the  Army  Bummer,  by  Jacob  Bane,  Company  I.. 328 

CHAPTER   XXII. 


Reminiscences  of  the  Kentucky  Campaign,  Hartsville  and  Elk 
River,  by  Lieutenant  A.  Prescott,  Company  A— My  Experi 
ence  at  Stroud's  Mill,  or  Fishing  Creek,  S.  C.,  by  John  E. 
Merritt,  Company  H — Incidents  of  Chickamauga,  the  Atlanta 
Campaign  and  Raleigh,  by  Corporal  D.  L.  Mitchell,  Company 
C— Who  Had  the  Nightmare  at  Hillsboro  and  Chattanooga? 
by  Sergeant  Andrew  Moffitt,  Company  I— Milking  Cows,  by 
Oscar  Slagle,  Company  D— Reminiscence  of  Tompkinsville  and 
Mission  Ridge,  by  Edgar  L.  Stevens,  Company  C— My 
Experience  at  Chickamauga,  by  Philip  A.  Hawk,  Company 
G— Reminiscence  of  Glasgow,  Ky.,  by  Captain  Willard  Proc 
tor,  Company  I— The  Experience  of  Company  I  in  the  Skir 
mish  Before  Atlanta,  July  22d,  1864,  by  Captain  Willard 
Proctor,  Company  I— Recollections  of  'Utoy  Creek,  Ga.,  by 
Captain  Willard  Proctor,  Company  I— Extracts  from  Captain 
Leighton's  Diary  as  to  the  Operations  of  the  Regiment  Around 
Dallas,  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek  and  New  Hope  Church— Recol 
lections  of  the  Siege  of  Chattanooga  and  the  Battle  of  Look 
out  Mountain,  by  Captain  William  Strawn 347 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 


The  Field  and  Staff — Non-Commissioned     Staff — Roster    and     Bi 
ographies  366 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 


Company    A — How     and     Where  Organized — Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    376 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


Company     B— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    389 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 


Company     C— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    404 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 


Company     D — How     and     Where  Organized — Roster  and   Biogra 
phies—Statistics 415 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


Company     E — How     and     Where  Organized — Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    430 

CHAPTER    XXIX. 


Company     F — How     and     Where  Organized — Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    447 

CHAPTER  XXX. 


Company     G— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics 458 

CHAPTER    XXXI. 


Company    H— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    471 

CHAPTER   XXXII. 


Company     I — How     and     Where  Organized — Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    482 

CHAPTER    XXXIII. 


Company     K— How    and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics    494 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 


Narrative  of  the  Imprisonment  of  Hapeman  and  Widmer,  by  Col 
onel  Douglas  Hapeman— Reminiscence  of  Utoy  Creek,  by  Ma 
jor  John  H.  Widmer— William  M.  Wilson  of  Company  E,  in 
Regard  to  Colonel  Hapeman  at  Peach  Tree  Creek — Reminis 
cence  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  by  Corporal  John  Shapland,  Com 
pany  D— How  a  Rebel  Lady  Got  Even  with  the  Major,  by  Cor 
poral  John  Shapland,  Company  D — Concluding  Remarks,  by 
the  Historian 507 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 


The  Narrative  of  My  Escape  from  the  Confederate  Military 
Prison  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  November  28,  1864,  After  Fourteen 
Months'  Imprisonment,  by  Lieutenant  William  W.  Calkins, 
Company  E 519 


ILLUSTRATIONS  AND  PORTRAITS. 


View  of  Lookout  Mountain  Battle  Field 153 

View  of  Mission  Ridge  Battle  Field , 166 

View  of  the  104th  Veterans  in  1888 327 

Arnold,  Lieut.  8.  V Co.  A.  378 

Burgess,  S.  W Co.  B.  389 

Brown,  C.  H Co.  E.  430 

Bagwill,  M.  O Co.  G.  458 

Brown,  Corp.  S Co.  H.  470 

Bane,  J Co,    1 .  4&2 

Burkart,  J Co.  K.  496 

Conarroe,  G.  R Co.  B.  389 

Collins,  Capt.  W.  H Co.  D.  415 

Clark,  Capt.  Thos Co.  D.  415 

Clark,   G.  C Co.  D.  418 

Calkins,  Lieut.  W.  W Co.  E.     430  &  506 

Conard,  Sergt.  W.  H Co.  E.  430 

Campbell,  H Co.  G.  458 

Cook,  Sergt.  C.  B Co.  G.  506 

Craig,  sergt.  W.  H Co.  K.  496 

Dyer,  Surgeon  R.  F 373 

Daugherty,  Sergt.  F.  M Co.  F.  377 

Deegan,  Corp.  J.  C Co.  G.  405 

Doty,  Capt.  J.  S.  H Co.  E.  430 

Dewey,  Capt.  R.  P Co.  E.  430 

Davidson,  Lieut.  O.  -S Co.  H.  470 

Ford,  Corp.  J.  J Co.  D.  418 

Frink,  Corp.  W.  E Co.    I.  482- 

Fitzsimmons,  Capt.  J.  P Co.  K.  495 

Favor,  Lieut.  O.  S Co.  K.  497 

Gage,  R.  J Co.  D.  418 

Hapeinan ,  Col.  D 367 

Howe,  Capt.  G.  W  Co.  B.  389 

Heslet,  Capt.  S.  M Co.  C.  405 

Harrold,  Sergt.  W... Co.  C.  405 

Hills,  J.  M Co.  E.  432 

Hawk,  P.  A Co.  G.  458 

Johnson,  Lieut.  C.  M Co.  F.  377 

Jones,  W.  M , Co.  G.  458 

Kirkpatrick,  Sergt,  M Co.  D.  415 

Kain,  W.  A..                                                                               ..Co.  E.  430 


Leighton,  'Capt.  J.  M Co.  A.  377 

Lawrence,  J.  D Co.  E.  432 

Ludington,  Capt.  L Co.  H.  470 

Lane,  M.  J Co.  D.  482 

Moore,  Col.  A.  B 506 

Mitchell,  Lieut.  A.  V Co.  F.  377 

Marsh,  Sergt.  Geo Co.  D.  415 

Makeever,  Corp.  C.  H Co.  D.  418 

Marlatt,  Sergt.  Geo.  H Co.  G.  458 

Moffitt,  Sergt.  E.  R Co.  K.  496 

Mason,  Corp.  A.  L Co.  F.  496 

Newell,  J.  G Co.  E.  506 

Overmire,  Corp.  J.  J , Co.  G.  458 

Prescott,  Lieut.  A , Co.  A.  377 

Porter,  Gen.  S.  A..... Co.  B.  389 

Price,  Sergt.  H.  E Co.  D.  415 

Phillips,  C.  G Co.  D.  470 

Proctor,  Capt.   W Co.    I.  482 

Randolph,  Lieut.  M.  M Co.  B.  389 

Robinson,  A.  G Co.  B.  389 

Ruger,  C Co.  E.  432 

Russell,  E.  C  Co.  E.  506 

Stevens,  Adj.  R.  C 371 

Strawn,  Capt.  W Co.  F.  377 

Stevens,  E.  L , Co.  C.  405 

Slagle,  Corp.  O Co.  D.  415 

Schaub,  B Co.  D.  418 

Shapland,  Corp.  J Co.  D.  506 

Smalley,  R.  S Co.  D.  418 

Strawn,  Lieut.  M Co.  E.  432 

Southwell,  Capt.  O.  M Co.  H.  470 

Sapp,  Capt.  F.  M Co.  K.  496 

Tewksbury,  Capt.  M.  W Co.  C.  405 

Trask,  D.  F Co.   I.  482 

Widmer,  Maj.  J.  H  369 

Winterschiedt,  Corp.  H Co.  B.  405 

Wilson,  W.M Co.  E.  432 

Wallace,  J Co.  E.  432 

Work,  Corp.  J.  S Co.  H.  470 

Wright,  Lieut.  J.  M Co.    I.  482 

Window,  Lieut.  W..                                                                ...Co.  K.  496 


CHAPTER    1. 


Remarks  on  the  Impending  Struggle — The  Fall  of  Fort  Sumter — 
Call  for  Troops— Disasters  of  1861-2— The  Crisis  of  1862— Up 
rising  of  the  Nation— 600,000  Men  Enlisted  in  Two  Months. 


In  undertaking  the  present  work,  which  is  intended 
to  deal  minutely  with  the  history  and  achievements 
of  a  single  regiment,  called  into  existence  at  a  crit 
ical  period  in  the  great  contest  for  National  suprem 
acy,  we  may  with  propriety  review  some  of  those 
momentous  and  thrilling  events  that  in  the  middle 
of  the  summer  of  1862  more  thoroughly  aroused  a 
credulous  and  peace-loving  people  to  a  higher  patriot 
ism  and  sense  of  duty  in  the  hour  of  imminent  peril 
to  the  nation.  Hundreds  of  historians  and  authors 
have  written  upon  the  causes  that  precipitated  the 
war  of  the  Great  Kebellion.  For  me  to  dilate  upon 
them  is  not  necessary  at  the  present  time.  And, 
besides,  every  intelligent  American,  having  in  his 
heart  the  love  of  country  and  an  appreciation  of  her 
institutions,  is  supposed  to  be  acquainted,  by  tradition, 
if  not  by  reading,  with  the  history  of  the  long  and 
bitter  political  struggles  between  the  twTo  great  sec 
tions  of  the  Union  known  as  the  North  and  the  South. 

It  would  seem,  as  if  to  verify  an  ancient  adage, 
"Whom  the  gods  wish  to  destroy  they  first  make  mad," 
the  Southern  people  had  come  to  this  condition.  And 
now,  after  a  third  of  a  century,  as  we  contemplate 
the  fierce  political  combats  of  those  times  which  led 
to  the  final  rupture;  the  apparent  success  of  treason 
in  undermining  every  department  of  the  Government; 
the  seizure  of  forts,  arsenals,  and  other  public  prop 
erty;  the  secession,  one  after  another,  of  the  Southern 
states;  and,  finally,  the  installation  of  Jefferson  Davis 


u  c  ;"  . 

2  THE    ONE    HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

a^  President  of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  we  may 
justly  wonder  why  the  loyal  men  of  the  nation  were 
not  sooner  aroused  to  a  true  realization  of  the  mean 
ing  and  purposes  of  the  conspirators.  But  when,  on 
the  14th  of  April,  1861,  Fort  Sumter  fell,  the  sudden 
disappearance  of  a  continent  from  the  geography  of 
the  world  could  not  have  caused  greater  surprise  and 
fear  than  did  this  final  step  among  the  loyal  citizens 
of  the  Union.  Their  indignation  was  unbounded.  But 
the  insane  deed  was  done.  By  that  act,  the  most  out 
rageous  yet  attempted,  the  South  openly  and  violently 
severed  their  relations  writh  the  Union,  defiantly  chal 
lenged  it  to  the  wager  of  battle;  and  invoked  the  God 
of  battles  and  the  opinions  of  mankind  as  to  the  just 
ness  of  their  cause. 

Then  began  the  greatest  war  of  modern  times,  if 
not  of  all  time;  on  one  side  for  the  establishment  of 
an  independent  nation,  of  which,  to  use  the  language 
of  its  Vice  President,  Alex.  H.  Stevens,  "Slavery  is 
to  be  the  chief  corner  stone,"  and,  on  the  other  side, 
for  the  preservation  of  the  Union  of  our  fathers  in 
all  its  national  integrity.  But  who  in  the  early  days 
of  1861  fully  realized  the  meaning  and  scope  of  the 
impending  struggle?  The  North  was  slow  to  believe 
that  the  South  wras  in  earnest,  and,  even  after  th£ 
clash  of  arms,  that  compromise  was  impossible.  They 
thought  that,  at  all  events,  the  superior  strength  and 
resources  of  the  loyal  states  would  make  the  contest 
a  short  one,  and  that  a  battle  or  two  would  decide  in 
favor  of  the  Union.  We  know  howr  vain  were  all  these 
hopes.  The  climax  of  Sumter  aroused  the  nation.  The 
President  immediately  called  for  75,000  men  for  three 
months'  service.  The  proclamation  was  hardly  given 
from  the  hand  that  penned  it  before  the  entire  num 
ber  had  volunteered,  and  many  of  them  were  on  their 
way  to  the  front.  The  successive  calls  that  followed 
were  quickly  filled  by  volunteers,  more,  in  fact,  being 
tendered  than  were  asked  for.  The  South  was  equally 
alert.  Thus,  while  both  sides  were  making  the  most 
stupendous  preparations  for  war,  active  operations  in 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS. 

the  field  were  carried  on  over  an  extensive  territory, 
more  especially  in  the  West.  Those  in  the  North  who 
predicted  the  early  defeat  and  collapse  of  the  rebellion 
were  doomed  to  bitter  disappointment.  The  "On  to 
Richmond"  cry  of  a  foolish  and  impatient  press  soon 
had  its  logical  result  in  the  lesson  of  Bull  Run.  There 
after  we  made  haste  slowly.  The  year  1861  closed 
with  some  minor  advantages  in  the  field  and  a  con 
siderable  redemption  of  territory  in  the  West,  that 
restored  a  degree  of  confidence.  The  citizen  armies 
had  learned  something  of  that  military  drill  and  dis 
cipline  so  necessary  in  the  day  of  battle.  In  the  East 
nothing  of  importance  had  been  done.  A  "masterly 
inactivity"  seems  to  have  seized  upon  the  leader  of 
her  magnificent  army,  which  lay  inactive  before  the 
quaker  guns  of  Manassas,  while  the  coveted  prize, 
Richmond,  was  as  far  off  and  unattainable  as  ever. 
But  with  January,  1862,  came  a  new  era  of  hope  and 
a  welcome  change.  The  battle  of  Mill  Springs,  Ky., 
fought  and  won  by  Gen.  Geo.  H.  Thomas  with  West 
ern  troops,  was  a  decisive  victory,  and  the  first  yet 
obtained.  The  results  were  important,  as  the  enemy 
was  fairly  whipped;  a  large  portion  of  Kentucky 
wrested  from  his  grasp,  and  the  rebel  plans  of  cam 
paign  demoralized  beyond  repair.  There  was  great 
rejoicing  in  the  North,  whilst  public  attention  was 
fixed  upon  the  General  who  was  destined  to  win  more 
distinguished  laurels  on  wider  battlefields,  and  to 
become  the  most  trusted  and  loved  of  all  our  military 
leaders.  After  this  followed  the  victories  of  Fort  Don- 
elson,  Pea  Ridge  and  Pittsburg  Landing.  By  these, 
three  states  were  practically  regained  to  the  Union. 
The  capture  of  New  Orleans  and  some  other  seaports 
had  been  effected.  While  these  results  were  of  impor 
tance,  and  reassured  the  North,  they  were  not  con 
clusive,  simply  serving  to  dispel  the  cloud  of  gloom 
and  disappointment  that  had  settled  down  upon  the 
Northern  people.  But  with  summer  came  reverses. 
The  Army  of  the  Potomac,  of  which  so  much  was 
expected,  had  not  taken  the  rebel  capital.  Its  "seven 


4  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND  FOURTH 

days  of  battles"  before  Richmond,  and  the  heroic  fight 
ing  of  its  soldiers,  had  been  of  no  avail.  The  swamps 
of  the  Chickahominy  were  whitened  with  the  bones 
of  the  slain,  and  disease  was  doing  a  more  deadly  work 
in  the  ranks  of  the  living  than  numerous  battles  had 
caused.  Affairs  in  the  West  were  at  a  standstill.  The 
outlook  was  not  promising.  The  rebel  cause  seemed 
to  be  gaining  strength  at  home  and  abroad.  Uncer 
tainty  and  alarm  prevailed  among  loyal  men,  whilst 
that  element  in  the  North  always  opposed  to  the  war 
were  loud  in  their  assertions,  "You  cannot  conquer 
the  South."  This  was  the  condition  of  affairs  in  June, 
1862.  It  was  apparent  to  all  that  a  crisis  had  arrived 
requiring  prompt  action. 

But  this  period  of  gloom  and  despondency  quickly 
disappeared,  and  a  firmer  determination  that  the  rebel 
lion  should  not  triumph  was  manifest.  The  hands  of 
President  Lincoln  were  now  upheld  and  strengthened 
in  a  way  that  was  seemingly  an  inspiration.  The 
mighty  voice  of  the  loyal  nation  found  expression 
through  the  Governors  of  the  loyal  states,  in  their 
address  to  him  of  July  1st,  1862,  pledging  anew  their 
utmost  resources  of  men  and  money  to  carry  on  the 
war,  and  assuring  him,  in  no  uncertain  terms,  of  their 
sympathy  and  devotion  to  the  cause.  The  effect  was 
electrical.  The  President's  proclamation  calling  for 
300,000  volunteers  for  three  years  soon  followed. 
Recruiting  began  at  once,  and  every  energy  was  bent 
to  the  one  purpose  of  filling  up  the  quotas  called  for. 
The  call,  coming  in  the  midst  of  harvest,  caused  many 
to  delay  who  intended  to  enlist  later.  August  4th 
another  proclamation  for  "300,000  more"  wras  issued 
and  a  draft  was  ordered.  But  now,  the  pressure  of 
home  duties  being  over,  volunteering  became  rapid 
and  the  draft  was  ordered  to  be  suspended.  An  addi 
tional  inducement  was  offered  to  volunteers  by  the 
Government  providing  bounties  of  one  hundred  dol 
lars.  Many  states  and  counties  also  voted  bounties. 
These  induced  men  of  families  to  enlist  who  before  had 
hesitated.  As  the  months  of  July  and  August  wore 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  5 

away  a  vast  wave  of  enthusiasm  swept  over  the  coun 
try.  Regiments  and  companies  were  raised  and  ten 
dered  to  the  Government  faster  than  they  could  be 
armed  or  cared  for.  Every  city,  town  and  village  was 
a  scene  of  excitement,  only  equaled  by  that  of  the  fall 
of  Sumter.  Business  became  of  secondary  importance, 
and,  day  after  day,  on  the  corners  and  public  places 
might  be  seen  groups  of  citizens,  representing  all  occu 
pations,  eagerly  discussing  the  war  and  encouraging 
those  who  thought  of  enlisting.  But  the  main  interest 
centered  around  the  little  recruiting  tent  on  the  pub 
lic  square,  where  "the  boys"  were  putting  down  their 
names  for  "three  years"  or  "during  the  war."  Meet 
ings  were  held  nightly  at  the  usual  places  of  assem 
blage,  where  orators  declaimed  and  recruits  were  gath 
ered  to  swell  the  mighty  armies  of  the  Union.  Some 
times  a  company  or  regiment  was  filled  in  a  single 
da3T,  and  to  overflowing.  This  is  but  a  faint  picture 
of  those  exciting  times  which  many  of  my  readers  wit 
nessed. 

At  last,  wrhen  the  ranks  are  full,  come  marching 
orders,  and  the  trying  day  of  departure  for  the  front 
arrives. 

"Ah!   then  and  there  was  hurrying  to  and  fro, 
And  gathering  tears,  and  tremblings  of  distress. 
And  there  were  sudden  partings,  such  as  press 
The  life  from  out  young  hearts, 
And  choking  sighs." 

The  relations  that  bind  men  to  their  homes  and 
families  must  be  severed,  perhaps  forever.  Many  who 
enlisted  will  never  return — never  have  returned.  Their 
remains  have  long  since  moldered  to  dust  on  the  bat 
tlefields  of  the  Rebellion.  The  majority  are  young, 
some  in  middle  life,  but  all  their  hearts  filled  with 
high  hopes  and  expectations,  coupled  with  an  under 
standing  of  wrhat  they  enlisted  for,  and  have  sworn 
to  do,  and  of  the  chances  of  war,  which  do  not  cause 
them,  in  this  last  hour,  to  regret  or  falter.  Duty  and 
patriotism  alike  call  upon  them.  But  there  is  no 
excess  of  mirth  on  this  last  day.  Here  are  gathered 


6  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND  FOURTH 

from  country  and  town  their  relatives  and  friends  to 
say — farewell!  The  aged  mother  gives  her  only  son, 
the  support  of  her  declining  years;  the  wife  her  hus 
band;  the  maiden  her  lover.  All  of  these  are  repre 
sented  in  the  assemblage,  and  all  feel  the  solemnity 
of  the  occasion.  The  minister  also  is  there  to  invoke 
the  blessing  of  the  God  of  battles  upon  those  who  have 
thus  laid  their  lives  upon  the  altar  of  their  country. 
The  last  moment  arrives.  The  colonel's  command,  "fall 
in,"  echoes  along  the  line,  and,  with  proud  steps  and 
firm  set  lips,  which  but  ill  conceals  the  emotion  within, 
the  new  regiment  of  volunteers  marches  away  from 
home  and  friends. 

Such  a  scene  as  this  is  only  a  type  of  many  occur 
ring  almost  daily  at  the  time  of  which  I  write. 


CHAPTER  II. 


What  La  Salle  County  Had  Done— The    Organization  of    the    One 
Hundred    and    Fourth — Election   of   Field   Officers. 


We  turn  from  the  events  and  scenes  sketched 
briefly  in  the  previous  chapter  to  note  what  was 
transpiring  in  La  Salle  County  in  its  military  relations 
to  the  national  cause,  and  to  trace  the  organization 
and  narrate  the  achievements  of  a  new  regiment,  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois  Volunteers,  com 
monly  called  the  La  Salle  County  Regiment. 

The  times  and  circumstances  that  called  it  into 
being  were  somewhat  different  from  those  existing  at 
the  beginning  of  the  war,  when  an  insulted  nation  rose 
in  its  might  and  the  swelling  waves  of  indignation 
and  enthusiasm  caused  armies  to  spring  into  being  in 
a  day,  as  by  a  magician's  wand.  Fifteen  months  had 
passed  and  the  holiday  anticipations  of  the  sanguine 
assumed  a  more  sober  hue  in  correspondence  with 
actual  conditions  and  the  bitter  lessons  of  experience. 

La  Salle  County  had  already  sent  into  the  field  the 
following  commands^  all  either  wholly  or  partially 
recruited  on  its  soil:  The  Eleventh  Illinois,  of  which 
General  W.  H.  L.  Wallace  went  out  as  Colonel;  the 
Fourth  Cavalry,  Col.  T.  Lyle  Dickey;  the  Fifty-third 
Infantry,  Col.  W.  H.  W.  Cushman;  Capt.  Cogswell's 
Battery;  Capt.  Ford's  magnificent  company  of  cavalry 
—the  two  latter  organizations  forming  with  the  Fifty- 
third  what  was  at  first  known  as  Cushman's  Brigade. 
There  were  also  Campbell's,  Henshaw's  and  Hough- 
taling's  Batteries — later  Capt.  M.  H.  Prescott's,  and 
Company  A  of  the  Sixty-fourth  Illinois,  raised  by 
Capt.  (afterward  Gen.)  John  Morrill. 

These  commands  had  proven  their  valor  on  numer 
ous  battlefields,  and  their  deeds  illumine  many  pages 


8  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

in  the  military  history  of  the  Western  armies  under 
Grant,  Sherman  and  other  commanders.  Bnt  numbers 
had  fallen,  and  the  once  solid  ranks  had  been  deci 
mated  by  battle  and  disease.  The  brave  and  gifted 
Wallace  was  no  more,  and  scores  of  other  brave  sons 
of  La  Salle  County  were  sleeping  their  last  sleep  on 
southern  soil. 

Such  was  the  record  when  our  people  were  again 
called  upon  to  make  further  sacrifices.  Another  regi 
ment  was  called  for  from  La  Salle  County.  The 
response  was  prompt  and  hearty.  The  ten  companies 
that  became  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regiment 
began  to  assume  form  in  the  last  days  of  July,  and 
were  filled  in  August.  Further  on  will  be  given  full 
details  of  their  organization  and  membership,  while 
we  will  speak  now  of  the  material  and  morale  of  this 
splendid  body  of  men,  who,  -without  prejudice  to  the 
veteran  soldiers  before  mentioned,  became  celebrated 
for  their  valor  on  many  battlefields,  and  made  the 
command  known  as  one  of  "the  fighting  regiments." 

The  men  composing  the  rank  and  file  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  did  not  enlist  under  any  sudden 
impulses.  They  understood  what  war  meant.  The 
illusive  charm  that  envelops  the  soldier's  life  had  but 
little  bearing  with  the  majority.  They  realized  that 
not  only  must  they  endure  separation  from  loved  homes 
and  friends,  but  must  be  prepared  for  privation,  suf 
fering,  w^ounds  and  death  itself,  when  once  sworn  into 
the  service.  Nearly  all  were  of  La  Salle  County  by 
birth  or  adoption,  while  the  greater  portion  were  in 
that  most  promising  period  of  life,  from  seventeen  to 
twenty-four  or  twenty-five.  A  very  few  had  been  in 
the  three  months,  or  other  service,  and  were  regarded 
with  considerable  awe  by  their  comrades,  who  as  yet 
possessed  crude  ideas  of  military  drill  and  discipline, 
or  the  stern  realities  of  a  soldier's  life.  These  enliv 
ened  our  early  camp  fires  with  fairy  tales  of  hair 
breadth  escapes  and  warlike  deeds,  well  calculated  to 
excite  admiration  and  respect.  Nearly  all  occupations 
and  professions  were  represented,  there  being  not  a  few 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS. 

ministers  of  the  gospel  in  the  ranks,  three  or  four  of 
whom  were  officers.  These  determined  to  light  the 
rebels  with  the  same  spirit  and  zeal  they  had  displayed 
in  fighting  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil,  from  their 
pulpits  at  home,  but  with  carnal,  and  not  spiritual, 
weapons.  One  of  them,  the  loved  and  lamented  Lieu 
tenant  Randolph,  yielded  up  his  young  life  in  battle 
at  Hartsville,  a  costly  sacrifice  to  the  moloch  of 
treason ! 

While  all  classes  were  represented  in  the  Regiment, 
that  strongest  and  safest  bulwark  of  our  fair  land,  on 
which  it  must  ever  rely  in  times  of  trouble,  the  farm 
ing  population,  contributed  the  majority  of  the  recruits. 
These  swelled  the  ranks  of  the  companies  to  the  full 
complement  prescribed  by  army  regulations.  And 
the  fact  that  the  residents  of  all  the  thirty-seven  town 
ships  in  this  large  county  had  relatives  and  friends 
in  the  Regiment  explains  why  it  ever  held  a  warm 
place  in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  who  watched  its 
progress  from  the  day  of  its  departure  to  the  front,  a 
thousand  strong,  followed  it  with  their  prayers  and 
blessings  on  long  marches,  through  fierce  campaigns 
and  battles,  from  the  Ohio  River,  through  Kentucky, 
Tennessee,  Alabama  and  Georgia,  to  Savannah,  "This 
day  fair  Savannah  was  ours," — thence  through  the 
Carolinas,  to  see  its  bullet -torn  flag  waving  amid  the 
smoke  of  the  last  battle  at  Bentonville;  over  Johnston's 
surrender  at  Raleigh,  and  on  the  Grand  Review  at 
Washington,  winning  the  plaudits  of  a  half  million 
spectators  until,  at  last,  the  mission  on  which  the  Regi 
ment  went  performed,  the  people  welcomed  the  battle- 
scarred  veterans,  in  numbers  less  than  three  compa 
nies,  to  their  homes  and  the  peace  they  had  helped  to 
conquer,  the  country  and  flag  they  had  helped  to  save! 
Such  is  a  passing  glimpse  of  the  Regiment  the  his 
tory  of  which  Ave  propose  to  chronicle  from  its  enlist 
ment  to  the  day  of  its  discharge. 

By  the  middle  of  August  it  was  known  at  Ottawa, 
the  county  seat,  which,  naturally  enough,  had  been  the 
rendezvous  and  headquarters  of  all  the  military  forces 


10  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

thus  far  sent  into  the  field  from  La  Salle  County,  that 
the  ten  companies  were 'now  ready,  with  a  surplus  in 
some  of  them.  This  fact  was  telegraphed  to  Governor 
Yates,  who  ordered  an-  immediate  organization  to  be 
called  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regiment.  By 
stipulation,  the  selection  of  field  officers  was  left  to 
the  Regiment  It  need  not  be  supposed  that  there  was 
any  lack  of  candidates  for  these  important  offices. 

In  preparation  for  the  event  the  following  compa 
nies  gathered  at  Ottawa,  the  letters  given  being  those 
by  which  they  were  designated  after  the  organization: 

Company  A,  Captain  James  M.  Leighton. 

Company  B,  Captain  George  W.  Howe. 

Company  C,  Captain  Samuel  H.  Heslet. 

Company  D,  Captain  William  H.  Collins. 

Company  E,  Captain  John  S.  H.  Doty. 

Company  F,  Captain  James  J.  McKernan. 

Company  G,  Captain  Johnson  Misner. 

Company  H,  Captain  Lewis  Ludington. 

Company  I,  Captain  John  Wadleigh. 

Company  K,  Captain  Justus  W.  Palmer. 

An  inspection  of  the  muster  rolls  shows  less  than 
thirty  men  who  enlisted  as  from  outside  the  county, 
and,  also,  that  more  than  ninety-five  per  cent  enrolled 
their  names  between  the  1st  and  15th  of  August. 

These  companies,  now  concentrated  at  the  county 
capital  for  the  first  time,  where  they  were  quartered 
temporarily  in  the  hotels  and  boarding  houses,  at  once 
attracted  public  interest. 

The  time  between  the  15th  and  26th  was  improved 
by  the  members  in  various  ways,  such  as  squad  and 
company  drill,  getting  acquainted  with  each  other  and 
comparing  notes  on  the  important  questions  of  the 
hour.  Three  prominent  candidates  for  the  Colonelcy 
were  in  the  field,  Absalom  B.  Moore,  Oliver  C.  Gray  and 
William  H.  Collins.  Each  claimed,  of  course,  that  he 
could  lead  the  Regiment  in  the  paths  of  glory  and  save 
the  country  quicker  and  better  than  anybody  else.  The 
first  named  was  a  prominent  politician  holding  the 
office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  and  Recorder  of 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  11 

Deeds ;  he  also  had  been  a  local  preacher  in  the  Metho 
dist  Episcopal  Church,  a  gentleman  of  ability,  fine, 
large  physique,  imposing  appearance  and  pleasant 
address,  and  was  in  fact  a  very  popular  man.  The 
second  was  one  of  the  brightest,  most  learned  and  dis 
tinguished  members  of  the  Illinois  and  La  Salle  County 
bars,  had  served  with  credit  in  the  Mexican  war,  was 
at  one  time  a  brigadier  general  in  the  Ohio  militia, 
and  w^as,  before  the  war,  captain  of  a  local  military 
company,  the  Washington  Light-Guards  of  Ottawa. 
The  writer,  as  a  mere  boy,  remembers  following  this 
command  on  public  occasions  through  the  muddy 
streets,  wrapt  in  profound  admiration,  and  wishing  he 
was  big  enough  to  be  a  soldier  and  wear  a  bearskin 
cap !  The  third  candidate  was  not  less  able  or  less 
popular  than  the  other  two,  lived  in  the  west  end  of 
the  county  and  possessed  qualities  well  entitling  him 
to  consideration.  He  had  also  been  in  the  field  as  chap 
lain  of  the  Tenth  Illinois  Infantry.  There  were  a  few 
men  in  the  Regiment  who  favored  giving  the  Colonelcy 
to  some  one  of  our  La  Salle  County  boys  at  the  front 
who  had  shown  ability  for  high  command.  They  said 
we  should  have  as  Colonel  a  man  of  military  experi 
ence,  one  who  has  smelled  gunpowder  if  not  lived  on 
it.  Such  were  the  candidates,  but  as  the  contest  waxed 
warmer  William  H.  Collins  withdrew  in  favor  of  Moore 
and  then  the  fight  narrowed  down  to  him  and  Gray, 
with  all  the  voting  forces  arrayed  on  one  side  or  the 
other.  Two  of  these  men  are  now  numbered  with  the 
dead,  and  the  writer,  who  was  one  of  the  boys,  does 
not  consider  it  necessary  to  enter  into  the  details  and 
merits  of  the  short  and  sharp  electioneering  campaign 
that  preceded  the  election.  As  a  participant  and 
observer  he  believes  that  each  member  of  the  Regi 
ment  acted  and  voted,  as  he  thought  at  the  time,  for 
the  best  interests  of  the  Regiment. 

The  result  of  the  election  was  that  Absalom  B. 
Moore  became  Colonel  by  a  large  majority.  There  were 
several  aspirants  for  'the  offices  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
and  Major,  but  it  appears  of  record  that  William  H. 


12  THE   ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

Collins  was  elected  Lieutenant  Colonel,  and  Justus  \V. 
Palmer  Major. 

On  August  27th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  Col 
onel  Moore  in  command,  inarched  to  the  old  "Fair 
Grounds"  and  was  mustered  into  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  "for  three  years  unless  sooner  dis 
charged,"  by  Captain  John  G.  Christopher,  of  the  Reg 
ular  Army,  who  had  come  from  Chicago  for  this  pur 
pose.  The  scene  was  impressive,  as  the  Regiment  of 
nearly  one  thousand  men,  drawn  up  in  a  hollow  square, 
took  the  oath  that  finally  bound  them  to  serve  their 
country,  maintain  and  protect  its  Constitution  and 
laws,  and  uphold  its  honor  and  the  "Starry  Banner  of 
the  Free"  even  unto  death.  How  well  this  trust  was 
performed  the  pages  of  this  book  will  show.  The  cere 
mony  occupied  a  considerable  part  of  the  afternoon, 
the  mustering  officer  being  delayed  somewhat  by 
necessary  examinations  into  the  fitness  of  some  of  the 
recruits  on  account  of  their  being  too  old  or  too  young. 
There  is  no  doubt  but  that  a  number  of  such  managed 
to  squeeze  through  "by  the  skin  of  the  teeth"  as  it 
were,  and  that  some  of  them  subsequently  proved  their 
capacity  as  soldiers  is  within  the  writer's  knowledge. 
At  the  conclusion  the  company  commanders  permit 
ted  many  of  their  men  to  go  home  until  the  first  of 
September  in  order  that  they  might  make  final  arrange 
ments  for  a  long  absence.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  then  marched  back  to  the  city,  the  men  going 
to  their  homes  or  quarters,  no  doubt  with  new  and 
strange  feelings  in  their  hearts  when  they  thought  of 
the  serious  responsibilities  assumed,  which  were  so 
shortly  to  separate  them  from  home  and  its  associa 
tions,  and  link  their  lives  with  that  of  the  soldier. 
Here  we  leave  them  to  enjoy  for  a  few  more  hours  the 
society  of  loved  ones,  nor  will  we  venture  to  draw  aside 
the  sacred  veil  concealing  the  fears  and  agonizing  sor 
row  of  those  so  soon  to  be  deprived  of  father,  husband, 
or  lover. 


CHAPTER  III. 


Flag  Presentation— March  to  Camp  Wallace— Scenes  in  the  Camp 
—Running  the  Guard— Marching  Orders  Received— The  Field 
and  Staff— Packing  Up. 

On   September  1st,   1862,   the   One   Hundred   and 
Fourth,  pursuant  to  orders,  marched  to  the  court  house 
in  Ottawa,  ,and  were  presented  with  a  beautiful  silken 
flag  by  a  number  of  Ottawa's  patriotic  ladies.     The 
usual  stirring  speeches  were  made  by  prominent  citi 
zens.    Then  the  banner  was  unfurled  to  the  breeze,  and 
amidst  cheers  and  soul-inspiring  music  the  Regiment 
took  up  the  line  of  march  to  Camp  Wallace,  or  the  Fair 
Grounds,  which  was  situated  two  miles  west  of  the 
city  on  the  banks  of  the  Illinois.    Cushman's  Brigade 
and  other  commands  had  been  organized  here.     We 
arrived  in  due  time  and  assumed  the  regular  routine  of 
military  duties,  so  far  as  we  knew  them.    A  thousand 
men,  fresh  from  the  pursuits  of  peace,  could  not  be 
expected  to  come  under  strict  military  discipline  imme 
diately.    The  weather  on  this  first  day  was  perfect,  and 
consequently  all  were  in  high  spirits.     There  were  a 
few  tents,  and  these,  with  the  buildings  on  the  grounds, 
were  to  be  our  quarters.    The  Quartermaster,  Ed.  Her- 
rick,  was  much  in  demand,  and  the  first  attack  made 
by  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  on  his  stores  of 
provisions.    The  day  was  a  sort  of  picnic,  and  we  had 
appetites  to  correspond.    There  was  more  or  less  fault 
found  with  the  menu  and  some  of  the  boys  resolved  to 
piece  it  out  in  town. 

We  had  no  arms  or  uniforms,  but  a  line  of  sen 
tinels,  armed  with  canes,  was  thrown  around  the  camp 
to  prevent  free  ingress  and  egress.  An  order  was 
issued  from  regimental  headquarters  that  no  one  would 
be  permitted  to  leave  camp  without  a  pass  duly  signed 


14  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

by  his  company  commander  and  countersigned  by  the 
Adjutant.  This  had  the  effect  of  something  like  a  cold 
shower-bath  in  June,  and  checked  the  tendency  on  the 
part  of  our  more  daring  and  restless  spirits  to  seek  the 
allurements  of  the  city. 

There  was  more  or  less  company  and  squad  drill 
that  day,  which  afforded  amusement  to  numerous  vis 
itors.  Learning  to  cook  over  a  camp  fire  occupied  con 
siderable  time.  The  first  night  in  camp  will  never  be 
forgotten.  During  the  day  several  loads  of  straw  had 
been  hauled  in  for  our  beds,  and  at  nine  or  ten  o'clock 
taps  sounded  for  lights  out,  after  which  every  soldier 
was  supposed  to  be  in  his  little  bed,  perchance  to  dream 
of  glory  and  his  sweetheart. 

On  September  2d,  the  morning  was  ushered  in  early 
by  reveille.  Roll-call  by  companies  followed.  The 
breakfast  and  sick  calls  were  next  in  order;  very  few 
responding  to  the  latter.  There  were  many  novel 
stories  related  of  the  first  night's  experience.  The 
loud  snorers  who  had  disturbed  the  slumbers  of  their 
comrades  were  spotted.  One  or  several  of  the  boys 
had  run  the  guard  line,  and  the  nearest  sentinels, 
ignorant  of  their  duty  or  for  fun,  had  gone  in  pursuit. 
It  is  to  be  inferred  that  the  runaways  "got  there"  and 
saw  their  Eliza  Jane,  or  obtained  the  seductive  soda 
water  their  thirst  demanded. 

There  was  much  drilling  next  day.  The  tone  of  the 
camp  was  more  subdued.  We  knew  that  the  marching 
orders  might  come  at  any  hour. 

The  3d,  4th  and  5th  passed  with  the  usual  round  of 
duties  and  the  announcement  by  Colonel  Moore  of  the 
receipt  of  orders  to  leave  on  the  6th  for  the  front. 

Meantime  Colonel  Moore  being  dissatisfied  with  the 
election  of  Messrs.  Collins  and  Palmer  as  Lieutenant 
Colonel  and  Major,  refused  to  abide  by  their  selection 
and  a  contest  arose  over  the  matter  which  became 
pretty  warm  between  the  line  officers  and  Colonel 
Moore,  but  was  finally  settled.  This  clone,  the  field 
and  staff  stood  as  follows: 

Colonel — Absalom  B.  Moore. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  35 

Lieutenant  Colonel — Douglas  Hapeman. 

Major — John  H.  Widmer. 

Adjutant — Rufus  C.  Stevens. 

Quartermaster — Edward  L.  Herrick. 

Surgeon — Keuben  F.  Dyer. 

First  Assistant  Surgeon — Julius  A.  Freeman. 

Second  Assistant  Surgeon — Thomas  B.  Hamilton. 
Non-commissioned  staff: 

Sergeant  Major — Quincy  D.  Whitman. 

Quartermaster  Sergeant — Asher  D.  Gibson. 

Com.  Sergeant — Austin  H.  Fowler. 

Hospital  Steward — John  W.  Cuppy. 

Principal  musicians,  David  McCampbel],  Wm.  Ray 
mond,  Jos.  G.  Wheat  and  Jos.  Lewis.  Later  on  Luther 
F.  Slyder,  of  Company  K,  was  appointed  Hospital 
Steward  and  Rev.  W.  C.  Scofield  Chaplain,  succeeded 
later  by  W.  C.  F.  Hempstead. 

The  Lieutenant  Colonel  and  Major  were  at  this  time 
commissioned  officers  in  the  Eleventh  Illinois.  They 
had  enlisted  as  privates  at  the  sound  of  the  first  gun 
from  Sumter,  had  served  continuously  under  WTallace 
and  Grant,  from  the  Ohio  River  to  Donelson  and  Shiloh, 
and  came  to  us  with  laurels  and  promotion  won  on 
those  bloody  fields. 

Our  last  day  in  Camp  Wallace  was  spent  in  prepa 
ration  for  the  morrow,  the  day  that  was  to  open  up  a 
new  act  in  the  grand  drama  of  war,  in  which  the  CJne 
Hundred  and  Fourth — thus  far  playing  a  very  super 
numerary  part — was  to  be  launched  into  a  wider  field 
of  action  with  half  a  continent  for  the  stage.  Military 
rules  and  discipline  were  relaxed  somewhat.  The  boys 
were  packing  up  and  trying  to  find  out  how  many  extra 
articles  of  all  kinds  they  could  carry.  As  we  had  no 
arms  or  accoutrements  the  amount  was  considerable. 
The  junk  dealers  of  Louisville  a  few  weeks  later  reaped 
a  rich  harvest  along  our  line  of  march,  in  the  shape  of 
extra  blankets,  clothing,  toilet  articles,  stationery,  etc., 
which  had  become  too  burdensome  and  were  thrown 
along  the  road.  The  camp  was  full  of  visitors.  It 
being  known  our  departure  was  fixed  for  the  6th,  rela- 


16  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

tives  and  friends  came  from  all  parts  of  the  country 
to  see  the  Regiment  off.  Amid  all  the  excitement  and 
merriment  as  well,  there  were  many  sober  faces  and 
sad  hearts  in  the  Regiment.  A  large  number  must  be 
parted  from  families  dear  to  them.  It  might  be  the 
last  parting  in  this  world,  and  so  it  proved  to  be,  for 
in  three  short  months,  fifty  brave  men  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  lay  dead  or  mortally  wounded 
on  the  battlefield.  The  youthful  soldiers,  of  whom  the 
writer  was  one,  considered  the  matter  less  seriously, 
and  were  impatient  to  be  moving.  The  majority,  born 
and  raisd  in  rural  life,  had  hitherto  enjoyed  very  lim 
ited  opportunities  for  travel  and  study,  and  if  like  those 
of  the  writer,  these  were  only  co-extensive  with  the 
county.  There  was  a  longing  to  see  the  great  world 
beyond,  intermixed  with  patriotic  impulses,  but  that 
duty  and  patriotism  were  above  all  other  considera 
tions  no  one  but  a  skeptic  can  doubt. 

At  last  darkness  settled  down  on  Camp  Wallace. 
The  camp  fires  burn  low  and  only  a  few  linger  around. 
The  majority  have  sought  their  downy  couches  of 
straw!  To-morrow  we  march! 


CHAPTER  IV. 


Leaving  for  the  Front— Arrival  at  Camp  Holt— Getting  Settled 
—Issue  of  Clothing  and  Arms— Drilling— Removal  to  "Camp 
Brickbat"— March  Over  the  Ohio— Buckner's  Plantation— Grand 
Review— Exciting  News— March  to  Louisville— Camp  Wilder- 
Work  on  the  Fortifications— Killing  of  General  Nelson— Presi 
dent's  Proclamation— Under  Marching  Orders. 

The  spirited  notes  of  the  reveille,  echoing  through 
Camp  Wallace  on  September  6th  and  reverberating 
over  the  placid  waters  of  the  Illinois  until  lost  among 
the  wooded  hills  beyond,  aroused  the  sleeping  soldiers 
to  the  fact  that  the  day  of  departure  had  arrived.  The 
command  from  orderlies  of  companies,  "Fall  in  for 
roll-call,'7  was  obeyed  with  more  alacrity  than  usual 
by  those  present  in  camp.  But  it  must  not  be  for 
gotten  that  the  spirit  of  restlessness  under  restraint 
still  ruled  strongly  the  heart  of  the  volunteer,  who 
could  not  quite  relinquish  that  independence  of  thought 
and  action  born  and  ingrafted  upon  his  soul  when  he 
first  breathed  the  pure  free  air  of  his  prairie  home. 
Therefore  when  some  failed  to  respond  to  the  call  of 
their  names,  the  cries  of  "arrest  him,"  "put  him  in  the 
guard-house,"  and  other  complimentary  remarks, 
showed  an  appreciation  of  duty  as  well  as  a  sense  of 
humor.  All  knew  that  the  absent  ones  were  improv 
ing  the  last  opportunity  for  a  lark  in  town,  or  were 
spending  the  night  with  friends,  and  would  join  their 
companies  as  they  marched  through  the  city.  At  ten 
o'clock  the  encampment  was  broken  up,  the  assembly 
sounded,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  formed  in  line, 
and,  preceded  by  the  drum  corps,  at  the  word  of  com 
mand,  moved  off  by  the  right  flank  toward  the  Rock 
Island  depot,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  command 
ing.  Colonel  Moore  was  sick,  but  joined  the  Regiment 
at  Camp  Gilbert. 


18  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

As  the  Regiment  marched  through  the  streets  thou 
sands  viewed  their  progress  and  cheered  them  on. 
Arriving  at  the  depot  a  long  delay  ensued,  which  was 
improved  in  exchanging  last  words  with  friends,  but 
there  was  an  absence  of  levity,  all  feeling  the  serious 
ness  of  the  occasion  in  a  greater  or  less  degree.  The 
embarrassment  was  finally  relieved  by  the  arrival  of 
the  train.  Then  hasty  good-byes  were  said,  the  last 
earnest  looks  from  face  to  face — some  to  be  repeated 
nevermore — were  given,  and  the  Regiment  filed  on 
board.  At  last  the  whistle  blew,  and,  amidst  cheers 
and  waving  of  handkerchiefs,  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  was  carried  rapidly  away. 

For  a  time  silence  prevailed  among  all,  each  being 
busy  with  his  own  thoughts,  which  were,  no  doubt, 
fixed  on  the  friends  and  scenes  left  behind.  But  this 
was  soon  broken  by  story  and  song  from  those  hilari 
ous  spirits  whom  sadness  could  not  long  restrain,  and 
cheerfulness  reigned  again. 

From  Ottawa  to  Joliet,  where  a  transfer  was  made 
to  the  cut-off  for  Indianapolis,  the  Regiment  was  enthu 
siastically  received  in  the  towns  and  villages  by  cheers 
and  words  of  welcome  from  the  people  who  had 
heard  of  the  new  Regiment.  The  journey,  after  leaving 
Joliet,  wTas  through  a  dismal  and  thinly  settled  coun 
try,  with  towns  few  and  far  between,  but  now  the  nov 
elty  and  excitement  had  worn  away,  daylight  faded 
into  darkness,  and  each  soldier,  having  satisfied  the 
wants  of  the  inner  man  from  his  haversack,  prepared 
to  pass  the  night  as  best  he  could,  either  in  his  seat 
or  on  the  floor  in  the  aisles.  The  writer  remembers 
sleeping  soundly  and  sweetly  in  the  latter  position. 
Daylight  on  Sunday,  the  7th,  found  us  in  the  capital 
of  Indiana,  but  only  a  short  time  was  spent  there,  and 
the  train  moved  on  again. 

At  many  towns  we  passed  through  the  people 
showed  plainly  their  sympathy  for  the  cause,  and 
wished  us  "God  speed,"  those  of  Seymour  being  unusu 
ally  cordial  and  giving  the  boys  all  the  apples,  peaches, 
etc.,  they  could  eat.  The  day  finally  drew  to  an  end, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  19 

and  at  dark  the  Regiment  reached  Jeffersonville,  and 
quickly  disembarked,  much  wearied  with  the  long  ride. 
Here  an  order  was  received  to  march  out  to  Camp  Holt, 
two  or  three  miles  further.  The  Eegiment  fell  in  and 
at  nine  reached  the  designated  camp,  which  was  found 
to  be  situated  at  the  Falls  of  the  Ohio,  about  two  miles 
below  Louisville.  There  were  no  tents  or  quarters  of 
any  kind  for  us.  Naught  was  to  be  seen  that  afforded 
a  prospect  of  shelter  except  the  native  forest,  through 
which  we  caught  glimpses  of  the  Ohio  glistening  in  the 
moonlight.  All  this  was  romantic  and  beautiful,  but 
hardly  what  we  expected  to  see  in  a  military  camp. 
No  doubt  many  a  soldier,  as  he  lay  down  that  night 
on  the  bare  earth,  thought  of  his  own  comfortable  bed 
at  home.  Without  much  ceremony  the  soldiers 
wrapped  themselves  in  their  blankets  and  retired  to 
the  land  of  dreams.  Fortunately  the  weather  was 
warm  and  dry,  and  very  little  complaining  was  done. 
Thus  closed  this  Sabbath  day's  journey,  which  had 
been  a  novel  experience  to  many  in  the  Regiment  here 
tofore  accustomed  to  spending  it  in  their  homes  and 
churches.  We  began  now  to  realize  that  there  are  no 
Sundays  for  soldiers. 

The  rays  of  the  sun  had  scarcely  penetrated  the 
encampment  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  before  reveille 
called  the  Regiment  to  duty.  After  roll-call  many  or 
all  repaired  to  the  river  to  wash  off  the  stains  of  travel, 
and  in  the  meantime  breakfast  was  being  prepared 
by  numerous  cooks.  The  companies  had  generally 
divided  up  into  messes  of  greater  or  less  size  as  suited 
their  convenience.  One  or  two,  however,  tried  the  plan 
of  having  a  single  table  for  all,  several  men  being 
detailed  to  cook.  Company  E  employed  a  civilian  for 
a  time,  but  a  little  experience  demonstrated  that  all 
schemes  except  the  small  messes  were  failures.  The 
early  history  of  our  cuisine  would  have  puzzled  and 
amused  the  ladies  at  home.  To  the  soldiers,  thrown 
suddenly  upon  their  own  resources,  the  problem  of  how 
to  best  accomplish  the  results  sought  in  the  simplest 
and  quickest  manner  was  one  to  which  they  gave  much 


20  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

study  when  time  permitted  and  rations  were  plenty. 
Uncle  Sam  generally  provided  well  for  his  boys,  and 
they  soon  learned  how  to  overcome  the  difficulties  in 
the  way. 

Breakfast  in  Camp  Holt  being  over,  various  duties 
followed.  Sick  call  and  details  for  guard  and  police 
were  made.  Then  came  company  and  squad  drill  in 
the  forenoon  and  battalion  drill  in  the  afternoon.  The 
intervals  were  employed  by  the  men  to  suit  themselves. 
After  investigating  Camp  Holt  many  procured  passes 
and  visited  the  neighboring  farmers  who  had  good 
orchards.  It  may  be  sarcasm  to  say  they  were  wel 
comed. 

The  first  day  in  Camp  Holt  was,  from  the  novelty 
of  the  surroundings,  enjoyable.  No  more  perfect 
weather  could  have  been  desired,  albeit  pretty  hot  at 
midday.  We  stood  on  the  border  land  between  free 
dom  and  slavery,  and  could  see  just  across  the  river 
"Old  Kentucky,"  the  miserable  neutrality  state,  which 
had  been  trying  so  hard  to  get  out  of  the  Union,  or 
else  to  be  allowed  to  remain  neutral,  but,  as  Senator 
Stephen  A.  Douglas  said  in  his  last  great  speech  at 
the  beginning  of  the  Avar,  "Henceforth  there  can  be 
but  two  parties  in  this  country,  one  for  the  Union  and 
the  other  against  it,"  so  this  state  had  been  compelled 
to  fall  into  line  on  the  right  side  by  the  prompt  action 
of  her  citizens,  who,  in  large  majority,  remained  loyal 
and  true,  assisted  by  Federal  bayonets. 

Eumors  to-day  that  General  Bragg  had  begun  his 
advance  into  Kentucky  excited  the  camp.  General 
Kirby  Smith,  with  a  large  rebel  force,  was  also  reported 
to  be  within  a  few  miles  of  Covington — opposite  Cin 
cinnati.  These  reports  furnished  a  subject  for  thought 
and  speculation  by  the  camp-fires  in  the  evening.  But 
while  the  rebels  seemed  to  have  the  advantage,  it  was 
known  that  General  Buell,  with  the  Army  of  the  Ohio, 
had  passed  Nashville,  and  was  running  a  race  with 
Bragg  for  Louisville.  The  new  regiments  had  been 
pouring  into  the  city  for  days,  and  they,  together  with 
citizens  pressed  into  the  service,  had  built  extensive 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  21 

earthworks  and  forts.  In  this  exciting  condition  of 
affairs  the  Regiment  eagerly  wished  it  had  the  neces 
sary  guns  and  ammunition  so  that  it  might  take  part 
in  the  anticipated  battle. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  remained  at  Camp 
Holt  until  the  14th,  engaged  in  drilling  from  four  to 
six  hours  per  day.     The  weather  continued  fine,  but 
the  days  were  unusually  hot.    During  the  week  tents 
were  obtained,  also  uniforms,  arms  and  equipments. 
The  latter  were  not  satisfactory  to  the  men,  but,  after 
a  vigorous  protest  by  the  officers,  better  ones  were 
furnished.     All  of  these  things    being    obtained    and 
issued  by  the  Quartermaster,  that  gentleman  was  sub 
jected  to  considerable  vigorous  criticism,  all  of  which 
he  appeared  to  receive  with  affability.    The  tents  were 
the  "Sibley,"  and  each  large  enough  to  hold  from  fifteen 
to  eighteen  men.     In  appearance  they  resembled  the 
Indian  wigwam  of  the  story  books.     There  was  an 
opening  at  the  top  and  a  fire  could  be  made  in  the 
center  in  case  of  very  cold  weather.    When  the  tents 
were  full  of  men,  lying  down,  their  feet  would  radiate 
from  the  center  like  the  spokes  of  a  wheel  around  the 
hub.    The  clothing  issued  consisted  of  dark  blue  jack 
ets,  sky  blue  pants,  blue  overcoats  with  capes,  woolen 
shirts  and  socks,  cotton  drawers,  and  blue  caps.  Some 
of  these  were  made  of  shoddy  and  caused  much  cuss 
ing  of  everybody  supposed  to  be  responsible  for  them. 
Each  company  officer  received  his  quota,  and  the  boys 
at  once  began  to  "shuck"  their  store  clothes  and  don 
the   new   uniforms.     This   proceeding  proved   highly 
amusing  when  a  very  tall  man  stood  arrayed,  not  like 
Solomon  exactly,  but  in  a  pair  of  pants  about  a  foot 
too  short,  and  a  coat  reaching  to  the  waist.    The  out 
landish  little  cap  completed  the  ensemble,  and  the  hero 
was  greeted  with  roars  of  applause,  which  he  enjoyed 
as  much  as  any  one.    However,  by  dint  of  much  trading 
and  the  use  of  the  tailor's  art,  all  were  fitted  reason 
ably  well,  and  at  last  looked  more  like  soldiers. 

The  stay  of  a  week  in  Camp  Holt  was  productive 
of  much  improvement  in  drill  and  military  discipline, 


22  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

and  the  Regiment  also  acquired  some  knowledge  about 
the  soldier's  life,  likely  to  be  useful. 

Meantime  the  news  from  the  front  that  Bragg's 
army  had  besieged  Mumfordsville  was  confirmed,  and 
doubts  were  expressed  whether  Colonel  Wilder,  com 
manding  that  post,  would  be  able  to  hold  out  until  re 
lieved  by  Buell. 

Events  seemed  to  be  hastening  and  the  signs  around 
Camp  Holt  indicated  an  early  removal  of  the  Regi 
ment.  Therefore,  when  on  Sunday,  the  14th,  after  the 
usual  duties  had  been  performed,  including  inspection, 
an  order  came  directing  the  Regiment  to  be  ready  to 
march  at  noon,  no  great  surprise  was  shown.  The  camp 
at  once  assumed  a  busier  appearance  than  usual,  and 
all  were  engaged  in  packing  up,  loading  wagons,  and 
in  various  other  matters.  At  twelve  the  Regiment 
moved  out,  followed  by  the  transportation.  Every 
soldier  was  loaded  with  all  he  could  carry,  and,  as  it 
was  very  hot,  many  suffered  severely.  It  had  been 
announced  that  the  march  would  be  a  short  one  of  a 
few  miles,  but,  as  no  halt  was  made,  those  "few  miles" 
proved  to  be  very  long.  Some  had  to  stop  and  rest, 
unable  to  endure  it. 

After  passing  through  Jeffersonville  the  Regiment 
finally  halted  a  mile  further  on  in  the  suburbs,  and 
took  possession  of  an  old  brickyard.  The  place  had 
been  entirely  denuded  of  trees  and  presented  anything 
but  an  inviting  appearance  compared  with  the  sylvan 
shades  of  Camp  Holt  and  the  beautiful  Ohio  flowing 
by  its  side. 

It  has  been  said  that  "misery  loves  company,"  and 
therefore  it  was  gratifying  to  observe  that  the  Eighty- 
first,  Eighty-second,  and  Eighty-seventh  Indiana  had 
also  been  planted  in  the  same  plastic  clay  near  us.  It 
was  learned  that  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had 
been  brigaded  with  these  regiments,  and  that  General 
Burbridge,  a  loyal  Kentuckian,  commanded  the  whole 
force.  The  remainder  of  this  Sabbath  day  was  fully 
occupied  in  pitching  the  tents  and  clearing  away  some 
of  the  bricks  most  likely  to  interfere  with  the  sleeping- 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS. 

places  on  the  ground.  The  day  had  been  one  of  labor, 
and  all  were  tired  enough  to  retire  early  except  those 
desirous  of  attending  the  prayer  meeting. 

The  Burbridge  brigade  remained  in  Camp  Gilbert 
—or,  as  the  boys  more  aptly  called  it,  "Camp  Brickbat," 
-until  Wednesday,  the  17th.  As  often  happens,  how 
ever,  it  was  demonstrated  that  a  vast  amount  of  experi 
ence  could  be  acquired  in  a  short  space  of  time,  and 
that  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  did  not  prove 
an  exception.  The  broad  exposure  to  the  sun  was 
annoying,  and  our  greatest  necessity,  water,  had  to 
be  brought  some  distance.  The  constant  moving  about 
of  nearly  four  thousand  men  within  a  limited  space 
of  such  character  kept  the  dust  in  agitation  and  caused 
it  to  settle  down  on  everything,  to  the  discomfort  of 
the  men.  It  was  noticed  that  the  Indiana  regiments 
showed  less  concern  about  the  matter;  their  appear 
ance  seemed  slovenly  and  was  commented  on  by  the 
boys,  but  a  few  days'  personal  experience  modified  their 
opinions. 

Company  and  battalion  drill  with  various  other 
duties  fully  occupied  the  time  at  Camp  Gilbert.  When, 
on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  an  order  was  issued  to  be 
ready  to  march  over  the  Ohio  at  9  o'clock,  its  announce 
ment  met  with  applause.  No  one  seemed  to  know 
where  or  how  far  the  command  was  going,  but  our  own 
imaginations  supplied  the  want  of  definite  informa 
tion  and  induced  the  belief  that  we  were  to  be  led  at 
once  against  the  enemy.  Every  soldier  examined  his 
musket  more  closely  and  gave  extra  care  to  his  car 
tridge  box  and  accoutrements.  Finally  the  tents  were 
struck  and  the  wagons  loaded.  A  number  who  were 
sick  reported  to  the  surgeons,  but  as  yet  the  list  of 
these  was  small.  When  the  assembly  sounded  the 
brigade  fell  into  line,  and,  after  a  short  march  to  the 
wharf  in  Jeffersonville,  was  slowly  carried  across  to 
the  other  side  by  two  steam  ferryboats.  This  opera 
tion  occupied  considerable  time,  several  balky  mules 
in  the  train  or  their  green  drivers  causing  a  delay.  But 
at  last  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  stood  on  the 


24  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

sacred  soil  of  the  South  and  viewed  the  new  and 
strange  scenes  about  us  with  interest.  Forming  in 
line,  the  inarch  was  begun  through  the  streets  of  Louis 
ville,  but  there  were  no  welcoming  cheers  from  an 
eager  and  loyal  people  grateful  to  their  deliverers  from 
calamity;  no  National  flags  floating  from  the  house 
tops.  Few  white  people  appeared,  while  the  black 
population  lined  the  sidewalks  and  peered  from  the 
windows.  The  city  was  under  the  iron  grasp  of  mar 
tial  law,  and  sentries  walked  their  beats  on  every  street. 
Louisville  had  become  a  vast  armed  camp.  Thousands 
of  soldiery  and  impressed  citizens  were  still  at  work  day 
and  night  on  the  defenses.  The  Provost  Marshal  com 
pelled  all  white  male  citizens  between  the  ages  of 
eighteen  and  forty-five  to  drill  every  day  or  go  to  jail, 
a  regulation  that  caused  a  good  deal  of  squirming 
among  the  disloyal  element.  It  may  be  inferred  that 
as  the  armed  legions  of  the  Union  marched  along  the 
streets  of  the  beleaguered  city  singing  "John  Brown's 
body  lies  mouldering  in  the  grave,  but  his  soul  goes 
marching  on,"  and  other  patriotic  songs,  those  who 
possessed  tender  feelings  on  the  slavery  question  did 
not  have  their  admiration  for  "Yankee"  soldiers 
increased  to"  any  considerable  extent. 

\fter  passing  through  Louisville  and  marching  out 
into  the  country  some  three  miles  the  brigade  went 
into  camp  on  the  plantation  of  the  rebel  general,  Simon 
B.  Buckner.  The  ample  grounds  in  front  of  his  large, 
fine  brick  residence  made  an  admirable  bivouac  for  the 
Regiment,  whose  ideas  about  such  things  were  yet  aes 
thetic.  No  place  could  have  been  more  lovely;  the  beau 
tiful  green  lawn  sloped  gently  down  from  the  house, 
and  was  covered  with  a  scattered  growth  of  noble  oak 
and  beech  trees,  under  the  shade  of  which  we  reclined 
when  not  on  duty.  A  stone  wall  laid  in  mortar,  with 
an  iron  gate,  enclosed  the  ample  grounds.  This  was 
out  first  view  of  a  typical  Southern  manor,  the  ideal, 
too,  of  one  of  the  most  aristocratic  of  the  slaveholding 
chivalry,  and  furnished  a  subject  for  much  reflection. 
Strange,  that  while  General  Simon  Boliver  Buckner, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

by  the  courtesy  of  General  Grant  and  President  Lin 
coln  was  enjoying  the  hospitality  of  Uncle  Sam  in  Fort 
Warren,  the  Regiment  should  be  engaged  in  guarding 
his  property  while  incidentally  guests  upon  his  lordly 
estate ! 

Truly,  the  lines  had  fallen  to  us  in  pleasant  places, 
made  more  attractive  by  the  warm  balmy  air  and  the 
hazy  atmosphere  peculiar  to  this  latitude  in  autumn, 
so  that  to  live  in  it  was  life  and  health.  When  night 
came  no  one  missed  the  tents  left  behind,  but, 
wrapped  in  their  army  blankets,  the  men  lay  down  on 
the  velvety  green  lawn  with  the  starry  heavens  for  a 
canopy. 

The  succeeding  five  days  were  passed  in  this  place, 
known  as  Camp  Robinson,  which  acquired  also  the 
soubriquet  of  "Camp  Grasshopper,"  from  the  abun 
dance  of  that  festive  insect  among  us.  Drill  by  com 
pany  and  battalion  was  zealously  pursued.  The 
depressing  news  of  Colonel  Wilder's  surrender  on  the 
17th,  with  several  thousand  men  had  reached  us,  and 
it  was  feared  that  Bragg  would  be  thundering  next 
at  the  gates  of  Louisville.  Some  rebel  prisoners 
brought  in  from  the  front  increased  the  rumors  and 
excitement  in  camp. 

While  in  Camp  Grasshopper  many  of  the  men,  in 
anticipation  of  hard  marching  and  fighting  ahead,  sent 
home  their  surplus  clothing. 

The  quality  of  the  rations  issued  here  caused  a  mild 
tumult  one  morning  and  led  to  some  very  vigorous 
measures  as  well  as  language  on  the  part  of  some  of 
the  companies,  who,  shouldering  the  objectionable 
bacon  and  "hard  tack,"  proceeded  to  interview  the 
Quartermaster.  Before  night  an  exchange  was  made 
for  supplies  not  liable  to  walk  off  without  notice. 

The  brigade  had  its  first  review  on  the  21st  by  Gen 
eral  Burbridge  and  presented  a  splendid  appearance. 
The  spectacle  of  nearly  four  thousand  men  drawn  up 
in  battle  array,  with  all  the  pomp  and  panoply  of  glori 
ous  war,  performing  military  evolutions,  their  burn 
ished  arms  flashing  in  the  sunlight,  was  well  calculated 


26  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

to  awaken  pride  and  enthusiasm.  After  review,  which 
closed  about  sundown,  the  Regiment  marched  to  quar 
ters  and  broke  ranks  for  the  day.  Another  Sunday's 
duties  had  been  performed  and  the  evening  was  devoted 
to  the  usual  camp  gossip,  writing  letters,  or  prayer 
meeting. 

The  rumors  to  which  we  had  been  treated  every  day 
became  more  exciting  on  the  morning  of  the  22nd.  More 
rebel  prisoners,  said  to  have  been  taken  only  ten  or 
fifteen  miles  out,  had  been  brought  in,  and  some  of  our 
"mule  whackers,"  who  always  seemed  to  have  the  first 
news,  reported  the  approach  of  Bragg' s  advance.  The 
stories  did  not  grow  less  in  size  by  telling.  Also  the  fact 
was  soon  noted  that  all  the  country  people,  white  and 
black,  were  flying  in  haste  toward  Louisville.  The 
aforesaid  teamsters  confirmed  this  discovery.  But, 
though  the  day  passed  without  the  Regiment  being 
called  suddenly  to  prepare  for  action,  it  was  exciting 
enough  to  keep  all  in  momentary  expectation  of  some 
thing  new  and  startling,  and  when  at  nightfall  Colonel 
Moore  received  orders  to  march  the  Regiment  back  to 
Louisville,  it  was  construed  to  mean  that  the  enemy 
could  not  be  far  away. 

About  9  o'clock  the  march  began,  and  after  strik 
ing  the  main  road  it  became  apparent  that  many  other 
forces  were  also  taking  the  same  direction.  The  delays 
caused  by  a  blockade  of  the  transportation  were  fre 
quent  and  very  tiresome.  Company  E  had  been  de 
tailed  as  rear  guard,  which  was  considered  an  honor, 
as  from  the  signs  a  fight  or  adventure  of  some  kind 
promising  glory  was  not  unlikely.  But  nothing  more 
exciting  than  the  capture  of  sundry  stray  citizens  and 
negroes  happened,  and  these  were  taken  along  as 
trophies.  At  2  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  Regiment 
arrived  within  the  defenses  and  lay  down  to  sleep  on  the 
breastworks.  On  the  morning  of  the  23rd  the  Regiment 
went  into  camp  just  below  a  high  bluff  on  the  eastern 
outskirts  of  the  city,  in  a  location  surrounded  by  pack 
ing-houses  and  tumble-down  tenements.  A  dirty  slough 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  27 

emitted  offensive  and  disease-breeding  odors.  The  place 
was  called  Camp  Wilder. 

We  saw  no  more  of  the  Indiana  regiments  and  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  temporarily  unbrigaded. 
It  was  learned  that  General  Bragg  had  declined  the 
battle  offered  to  him  on  the  21st  and  22nd,  and  had  de 
flected  his  army  further  east  toward  Lexington,  where 
he  could  gather  in  more  supplies,  of  which  his  army 
stood  in  need.  He  also  hoped  to  gain  many  recruits  to 
his  ranks  from  the  Kentuckians.  The  aggressive  cam 
paign  of  the  enemy  in  Kentucky  had  ended,  as  with 
General  BuelPs  veteran  army  and  the  50,000  new  troops 
in  and  around  Louisville  further  operations  of  an  offen 
sive  character  would  prove  disastrous. 

The  startling  peals  of  the  "long  roll"  at  3  a.  m.  on  the 
24th,  aroused  the  regiment  from  its  slumbers.  This 
meant  to  fall  in  at  once,  first,  however,  falling  out  of  bed 
in  double-quick  time,  if  by  courtesy  ground  floor  privi 
leges  could  be  so  called.  There  was  a  hasty  donning  of 
overcoats,  arms  and  accoutrements,  after  which  the 
companies  formed  on  the  color  line.  The  Regiment 
being  aligned  and  having  come  to  an  "order  arms"  and 
"rest,"  awaited  further  orders.  When  at  last  daylight 
appeared  the  companies  were  dismissed  to  their  quar 
ters.  It  was  learned  later  that  the  order  calling  us  up  so 
early  emanated  from  the  commander  of  the  Post  of 
Louisville,  and  was  intended  for  purposes  of  discipline. 

Our  tents,  left  behind,  did  not  arrive  until  the  26th, 
just  in  time  for  a  change  in  the  weather.  The  Regiment 
for  several  days  sent  heavy  details  to  work  on  the  forti 
fications,  w^hich  extended  along  the  hill  southeast  of  the 
camp  and  ran  through  a  lovely  cemetery.  It  seemed 
like  sacrilege  to  thus  invade  the  city  of  the  dead,  but 
military  necessity  often  compels  many  things  to  be  done 
that  seem  cruel  or  unnecessary.  "Inter  arma  silent 
leges." 

While  at  Camp  Wilder  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
received  calls  from  several  Ottawa  citizens,  among 
them  Sam  W.  Raymond,  Thos.  J.  Wade  and  Richard 
Thorne,  all  of  whom  had  relations  or  friends  in  the 


28  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Regiment.    It  is  needless  to  say  that  we  were  glad  to  see 
them. 

The  Regiment  spent  the  night  of  the  25th  on  the  color 
line  under  arms  from  dark  until  daylight.  This  was  in 
obedience  to  another  order  from  headquarters,  and 
seemed  senseless  enough,  especially  as  the  men  had 
worked  all  day  in  the  trenches  and  were  entitled  to  rest. 
Our  ideas  of  glorious  war  began  to  be  of  a  less  romantic 
character  as  we  came  face  to  face  with  the  cold  hard 
facts. 

On  the  morning  of  the  28th  rumors  were  circulated 
that  the  Regiment  would  leave  soon  for  the  front,  which 
meant  active  service  in  the  field  and  suited  our  ideas 
better  than  working  on  fortifications.  It  was  also 
definitely  settled  that  the  Regiment  had  been  assigned 
to  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade,  Twelfth  Division,  Army  of 
the  Ohio.  Colonel  G.  F.  Limberg,  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Eighth  Ohio,  had  been  appointed  to  command  the 
brigade,  which  consisted  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  Illinois,  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hun 
dred  and  Eighth  Ohio,  the  two  latter  being  German 
regiments  partially  organized.  General  E.  Dumont 
commanded  the  Division. 

The  exciting  event  of  the  29th  was  the  shooting  of 
General  Nelson  by  General  Jeff  C.  Davis,  in  the  Gault 
House  at  Louisville.  Both  were  distinguished  Union 
Generals.  When  the  facts  became  known  public 
opinion  justified  the  latter. 

Major  John  H.  Widmer  arrived  to-day,  and  was 
warmly  welcomed  by  a  serenade  in  the  evening,  which 
ended  in  general  speech-making. 

The  brigade  received  marching  orders  on  the  30th, 
and  from  then  until  the  3rd  of  October  was  held  in 
readiness  to  leave  at  short  notice,  the  tents  being  struck 
and  camp  equipage  packed  every  morning.  Meantime 
thousands  of  troops  were  already  moving  out.  Before 
we  left  the  proclamation  of  President  Lincoln  in  regard 
to  freeing  the  slaves  in  the  rebellious  states  came  to 
hand  and  met  as  a  general  thing  with  approval  by  the 
men.  Many,  like  the  writer,  had  enlisted  not  to  "free 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  29 

the  nigger,"  as  the  phrase  went,  but  to  save  the  Union. 
However  all  must  have  foreseen  the  logical  outcome, 
and  no  doubt  came  at  last  to  accept  it  as  right  and  just. 
At  all  events  new  hope  and  vigor  seemed  to  be  imparted 
to  the  men. 

Late  on  the  2nd,  definite  orders  were  received  to 
march  early  the  next  morning,  and  we  settled  down  to 
spend  our  last  night  in  Camp  Wilder. 


CHAPTER  V. 


Leaving  Camp  Wilder— A  Hard  March— Arrive  at  Shelbyville — 
Confiscate  Wagons — Attempt  to  Recover  Contrabands — March 
to  Frankfort — Hasty  Retreat  of  the  Rebels — Colonel  Limberg's 
Arrest— Company  E  Raises  a  Flag— Wild  Goose  Chase  After 
Morgan — March  to  Bowling  Green — Suffering  by  the  Way — 
Arrival  at  Bowling  Green — Review  and  Speech  by  Gener 
al  Rosecrans— Thirty-Ninth  Brigade  Detached— Colonel  Scott 
Assumes  Command. 


In  consequence  of  orders  received  late  the  previous 
night,  to  be  ready  to  march  early  on  the  morning  of  Oct. 
3,  the  boys  turned  out  promptly  at  the  sound  of  reveille 
and  fell  in  for  roll-call.  After  an  early  breakfast  the 
tents  were  struck,  knapsacks  packed  and  all  the  prepa 
rations  made  for  marching.  The  wagons  of  each  com 
pany  were  loaded  to  their  full  capacity,  containing, 
besides  camp  equipage  and  commissary  stores,  a  good 
many  knapsacks  of  the  men,  but  still  each  soldier  had 
a  heavy  load  to  carry,  including  his  musket  and  forty 
rounds  of  ammunition. 

All  being  ready,  "Joe"  sounded  the  "assembly,"  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  formed  in  ranks,  and,  march 
ing  out  of  Camp  Wilder,  was  joined  by  the  rest  of  the 
brigade  on  the  bluffs.  We  then  took  up  the  line  of 
march  on  the  turnpike  leading  to  Shelbyville,  Kentucky. 
The  spectacle  before  our  eyes  was  inspiring.  We  saw  in 
the  distance  long  lines  of  infantry  and  batteries  of  artil 
lery,  all  followed  by  immense  wagon  trains  containing 
rations  and  ammunition.  There  was  satisfaction  in 
the  thought  that  we  were  now  a  part  of  this  grand  army 
of  nearly  80,000  men  marching  to  the  front.  The  day 
was  one  of  nature's  loveliest,  only  too  hot.  The  roads 
were  dusty,  and  we  soon  suffered  from  want  of  water, 
which,  on  account  of  the  long  drought,  was  low  in  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  -  31 

wells  and  streams — branches  as  they  are  called  in  the 
South. 

After  a  short  halt  at  noon  for  dinner,  the  march  was 
resumed,  but  not  with  the  same  quick  step  and  buoyant 
spirits  as  in  the  morning.  The  knapsacks  were  becom 
ing  heavy.  By  night  a  number  of  men  had  fallen  out 
and  did  not  again  appear  until  the  next  morning.  The 
trouble  lay  partially  in  our  attempts  to  carry  too  heavy 
an  assortment  of  goods,  such  as  extra  shirts,  blankets 
and  notions  of  various  kinds.  As  the  day  passed  many 
of  these  extras  wrere  quietly  left  by  the  roadside.  The 
author,  being  much  given  to  waiting,  left  a  deposit  of 
fine  stationery  as  his  contribution. 

When  night  came  and  no  halt  was  made  all  had 
become  so  footsore  and  wearied  that  to  march  was 
painful.  But  there  was  no  resigning  in  this  war.  The 
order  was  still  forwrard,  and  not  until  1  a.  m.  was  a 
change  made.  We  then  turned  into  a  blue-grass  side- 
hill  pasture  by  the  road,  and  in  ten  minutes  probably 
every  soldier  had  found  rest  in  slumber.  The  writer 
recalls  with  gratitude  how  that,  as  he  was  just  about 
going  off  to  the  land  of  dreams,  Orville  L.  Moorhead,  of 
Company  E,  came  and  gave  him  a  drink  of  cordial  from 
his  flask  (I  think  that  was  what  he  called  it  and  it  pro 
duced  cordiality).  This  gallant  soldier  fell  soon  after 
at  Hartsville. 

Footsore  and  more  or  less  weary,  we  awoke  before 
the  sun  on  Saturday  morning,  Oct.  4.  A  thousand  little 
fires  made  from  "secesh"  rails  lighted  up  the  early  land 
scape.  A  thousand  tin  cups,  each  soldier  carrying  one, 
contained  the  fragrant  coffee  of  which  Uncle  Sam  fur 
nished  a  good  article.  This,  with  bacon  and  hardtack 
from  the  haversacks,  put  all  in  good  spirits  again. 

The  march  was  resumed  immediately  after  break 
fast.  Looking  back  upon  the  deserted  bivouac,  and  be 
yond  to  the  rear,  the  ground  wras  strewn  with  numerous 
discarded  articles.  One  would  have  supposed  that  sev 
eral  second-hand  old  clothing  stores  had  been  gutted 
and  the  contents  scattered  around.  The  vultures  were 
behind  us  scenting  their  prey  from  afar. 


32  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

The  section  of  Kentucky  through  which  we  marched 
was  highly  cultivated.  Vast  plantations  extended  in 
every  direction.  The  large  residences  and  negro  quar 
ters  on  some  of  them  told  of  wealth  and  comfort.  But 
occasionally  we  passed  less  pretentious  houses  or  the 
log  huts  of  the  "poor  white  trash,"  and  the  contrast 
was  as  marked  as  the  difference  in  the  people.  All  of 
these  things  were  new  to  us  and  of  surpassing  interest. 
We  were  becoming  educated  in  more  ways  than  one, 
and  in  a  practical  manner,  impossible  to  learn  from 
books. 

As  the  sun  mounted  to  the  zenith  wTe  began  to  feel 
its  effects.  Unused  to  continuous  marching,  many  gave 
out.  Clouds  of  dust  and  scarcity  of  water  added  to  the 
discomfort.  A  few  of  the  boys,  more  daring  than  others, 
managed  to  slip  away,  and  going  to  neighboring  plan 
tations  confiscated  several  wagons,  which  they  brought 
up  and  loaded  with  knapsacks,  thus  relieving  many  of 
the  men.  After  dark  we  continued  on  in  silence  until 
9  o'clock,  when  Shelbyville  was  reached,  and  we  went 
into  camp  near  the  town,  having  marched  thirty-three 
miles  since  leaving  Louisville.  A  part  of  Dumont's 
division  remained  at  or  near  Shelbyville  until  Wednes 
day,  Oct.  8.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  enjoyed  the 
rest  very  much.  Those  who  have  read  "Uncle  Tom's 
Cabin"  will  remember  the  vivid  scenes  therein  pictured 
of  this  place  and  its  people  in  the  days  of  slavery.  W^e 
found  it  a  small,  rambling  village,  in  which  negroes 
seemed  to  predominate.  We  learned  that  most  of  the 
whites  were  rebels.  As  Captain  Leighton  remarked, 
"It  is  a  very  secesh  place."  When  our  boys  discovered 
this  they  concluded  that  a  little  contribution  in  the 
shape  of  turkeys,  chickens,  honey,  etc.,  from  the  homes 
of  the  noble  citizens,  now  mostly  in  the  Kebel  army, 
would  be  an  appropriate  testimonial  of  our  esteem. 
Therefore  many  a  fine  gobbler,  intended  for  the  Christ 
mas  home  market,  found  his  way  into  the  mess  pans  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  It  is  true  that  general 
orders  did  not  sanction  foraging  of  this  kind,  on  the 
contrary  forbade  it,  but  the  men  concluded  that  our 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  35 

enemies  ought  to  feel  somewhat  of  the  consequences  of 
their  wicked  rebellion  against  the  government.  The 
Unionists  were  left  untouched  or  else  were  paid  for  what 
was  taken. 

The  days  at  Shelbyville  had  passed  most  pleasantly, 
though  we  were  in  expectation  every  hour  of  orders  to 
march.  Keports  that  large  forces  of  Eebel  cavalry  were 
within  five  miles  of  us  tended  to  keep  things  lively.  It 
was  certain  that  wandering  too  far  from  camp  might 
be  dangerous,  as  every  white  man  was  a  spy,  or  likely 
to  be  one,  and  shooting  from  ambush  was  a  common 
occurrence.  It  was  learned  that  General  Sill's  division 
and  part  of  Dumont's  on  Oct.  7,  met  and  drove  the 
enemy  under  Kirby  Smith,  from  Frankfort  and  occupied 
the  town.  These  forces  constituted  the  left  of  BuelPs 
army,  the  bulk  of  which  was  on  our  right,  and  numbered 
eight  divisions — about  60,000  men  in  all.  If  Bragg  could 
have  been  brought  to  bay  a  battle  would  have  occurred. 

In  pursuance  of  orders,  we  resumed  the  march  at 
noon  and  were  in  better  shape,  as  each  company  had  an 
extra  mule  team  to  carry  the  baggage.  These  were  con- 
fiscated  from  the  rebel  citizens  hereabouts  and  caused 
much  commotion.  With  them  were  numerous  contra 
bands.  About  the  time  we  set  out,  and  after  moving,, 
the  owners  of  the  aforesaid  goods  and  chattels  put  in 
an  appearance  and  tried  to  gain  a  hearing  from  Colonel 
Moore  and  other  officers.  Some,  more  bold  than  others, 
tried  to  snake  out  the  contrabands,  who  kept  close  to 
the  ranks,  but  they  little  knew  the  temper  of  the  men. 
At  once  an  order  passed  down  the  line  of  the  regiment, 
"Fix  bayonets!"  A  citizen  had  grabbed  a  darky  from 
the  rear  of  Company  A.  Sergeant  Woodward,  of  Com 
pany  B,  being  near  by,  broke  his  musket  over  the  rebel's 
head.  This  demonstration  satisfied  the  gentleman,  and 
thereafter  we  had  no  more  trouble.  The  march  con 
tinued  all  night,  but  was  made  with  comparative  ease.. 
Just  as  the  first  gray  streaks  of  dawn  lighted  up  the 
eastern  horizon  on  Oct.  9  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  en 
tered  the  environs  of  Frankfort,  where  the  turnpike  we 
had  traveled  came  to  an  end  on  a  high  bluff  overlooking* 


34  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND  FOURTH 

the  city.  Wheeling  to  the  left  the  brigade  went  into 
camp  along  its  brow,  glad  to  be  allowed  to  rest  after  the 
long  night  march.  The  location  was  grand,  but  subject 
to  some  inconvenience,  as  there  was  no  water  to  be  had 
nearer  than  the  river,  a  considerable  distance  away. 
Therefore  the  coffee  and  breakfast  were  late.  It  being 
ascertained  that  we  would  remain  in  the  present  loca 
tion  only  temporarily,  the  day  was  spent  in  resting  and 
making  short  trips  in  the  vicinity,  and  to  the  bridge  over 
the  river,  which  was  guarded.  During  the  day  news 
arrived  that  a  great  battle  had  been  fought  the  day 
previous  at  Perry ville,  particulars  not  known.  We  now 
learned  the  facts  in  regard  to  the  occupation  of  Frank 
fort  by  our  troops.  It  appeared  that  when  our  cavalry 
forces  suddenly  entered  the  town  a  portion  of  General 
Kirby  Smith's  command,  all  unmindful  of  the  approach 
ing  storm,  were  busily  engaged  in  the  pleasing  cere 
mony  of  inaugurating  Dick  Hawes  as  the  "Rebel  Pro 
visional"  Governor  of  Kentucky.  But  while  thus  em 
ployed  they  were  suddenly  and  rudely  interrupted  by 
the  blare  of  the  Union  cavalry  bugles  and  the  roar  of 
loud-mouthed  cannon  planted  on  the  very  site  of  our 
present  camp.  Hawes  and  his  rebels  barely  had  time 
to  escape  by  the  back  door.  His  address  to  the  "Free 
and  patriotic  people  of  Kentucky,"  as  he  called  them, 
was  left  unfinished,  and  thus  ended  the  brief  reign  of 
Dick  Hawes.  As  one  of  the  boys  remarked : 

"If  so  soon  he  was  done  for, 
What  in  thunder  was  he  begun  for?" 

Our  impressions  of  Frankfort  were  most  favorable. 
The  blue  waters  of  the  Kentucky  river  flowed  by  in  a 
half  circle,  -and  on  the  concave  of  this  lay  the  city,  a 
place  of  four  thousand  people,  nestled  in  among  the 
hills.  Further  back  bluffs  from  two  hundred  to  four 
hundred  feet  high  rose  in  terraces,  and  were  covered 
with  pine,  cedar  and  beech.  Down  below  our  camp  lay 
the  Kentucky  river  valley.  Here  was  the  home  of 
Daniel  Boone,  the  "Pioneer  of  Kentucky."  This  was  the 
dark  and  bloody  ground,  made  memorable  by  many  a 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  35 

fierce  contest  between  the  early  white  settlers  and  their 
Indian  foes. 

When  at  night-fall  the  camp-fires  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  were  lighted  on  the  bluffs  many  a 
soldier  lingered  long  by  their  flickering  blaze  to  medi 
tate  on  the  day's  experience,  and  later,  wrapped  in  his 
blanket,  to  dream  of  the  historic  scenes  now  before  him. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  arose  early  on  the 
10th,  from  the  couches  of  fragrant  cedar  boughs,  and 
just  in  time  to  see  the  sun  crowning  the  hills  in  wreaths 
of  golden  brightness.  During  the  day  the  regiment 
moved  camp  to  the  south  end  of  the  bridge  in  the  valley 
where  the  tents  were  pitched  and  preparations  made 
for  remaining  some  time.  Drill  and  the  regular  camp 
duties  were  again  inaugurated.  Company  F,  under  the 
command  of  Lieutenant  Wm.  Strawn,  was  detailed  to 
guard  the  capitol,  and  from  all  accounts  the  boys  had  a 
good  time  in  the  legislative  halls.  Other  companies 
went  on  guard  duty  at  various  points  in  the  city  and 
vicinity. 

It  had  now  become  definitely  known  that  Bragg  and 
his  army  were  hurrying  out  of  the  state,  leaving,  how 
ever,  Morgan's  and  Forrest's  cavalry  to  cover  his  rear 
and  hover  on  the  flanks  of  our  army,  which  was  pur 
suing. 

While  in  Frankfort  a  good  deal  of  sensation  was 
caused  by  the  arrest  of  Colonel  Limberg,  commanding 
our  brigade,  on  the  charge  of  "horse-stealing"  done 
while  enroute  from  Louisville.  In  consequence  of  this 
Colonel  Moore,  the  next  highest  ranking  officer,  as 
sumed  command  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  and  estab 
lished  his  headquarters  in  town.  Colonel  Moore  imme 
diately  appointed  Captain  James  M.  Leighton,  of  Com 
pany  A,  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  as  his  Assistant  Ad 
jutant  General.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  took 
command  of  the  regiment.  The  rest  of  the  week  passed 
quietly,  and  the  fine  weather  with  our  pleasant  sur 
roundings  were  enjoyed  by  all.  On  the  llth,  a  part  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  with  detachments  from 
the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hundred  and 


36  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Eighth,  were  sent  to  defend  a  battery  which  had  been? 
threatened  with  attack,  but  it  was  not  made. 

The  writer  and  a  few  others  on  Sunday,  the  12th,. 
went  to  visit  the  beautiful  cemetery  on  the  bluffs  near 
the  river.  Here  rest  the  remains  of  many  celebrated 
Kentuckians.  Stately  shafts  of  marble  and  bronze  com 
memorate  the  names  and  deeds  of  Boone,  Clay,  Cald- 
well,  Colonel  R.  M.  Johnson  and  others.  Particularly 
noticeable — sixty  feet  high — was  the  monument  to 
Colonel  John  J.  Hardin,  who  fell  in  Mexico  while  lead 
ing  an  Illinois  regiment.  Near  by  were  seventeen  new 
made  graves  of  soldiers  who  had  fallen  in  the  present 
unhappy  war.  They  were  unmarked  by  marble  slab!" 
What  a  contrast  was  presented  between  these  and  those 
yonder  in  their  "splendid  mockery  of  marble!"  Weary 
and  meditatively  we  returned  to  camp  as  the  rays  of 
the  setting  sun  lighted  up  the  Kentucky  hills. 

The  event  of  the  13th,  at  least  for  Company  E,  was  a 
flag-raising.  This  company,  from  frequent  duty  in  the 
city,  had  become  well  known  to  the  Union  citizens,  and 
they  invited  Captain  Doty  and  his  men  to  raise  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  on  a  new  staff  they  had  provided.  At  the 
appointed  hour  the  Company  was  escorted  by  a  band 
of  music  and  a  delegation  of  several  hundred  ladies  and 
gentlemen  to  the  place,  where  Colonel  Doty  unfurled 
the  Starry  Banner  to  the  breeze  amidst  hearty  cheers. 
Then  Judge  Scott  made  a  patriotic  speech,  followed  by 
the  venerable  General  Leslie  Combs — a  hero  of  two 
wars,  who  was  present  at  the  battle  where  Colonel  John 
son  shot  the  great  Indian  chief,  Tecumseh.  After  some- 
further  patriotic  exercises  the  assembly  dispersed  and 
Company  E  marched  back  to  quarters,  proud  of  the  part 
it  had  taken,  and  the  warm  place  evidently  secured  in 
the  hearts  of  Frankfort's  loyal  people. 

While  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  was  thus  pleasantly 
situated  and  daily  improving  in  drill,  our  comrades  in 
the  field  were* marching  on  in  hopes  of  overtaking  Brag<r 
before  he  could  escape  into  Tennessee.  General  Bueil 
having  been  disappointd  in  this,  ordered  a  concentra 
tion  of  his  army  at  Bowling  Green  and  Nashville  and' 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS. 

rthe  different  divisions  were  put  enroute  for  those  points. 
The  Twelfth  Division  still  remained  at  Frankfort  await 
ing  other  movements  and  that  of  General  Sill,  south  of 
us,  then  moving  to  Glasgow. 

Nothing  of  importance  disturbed  the  tranquillity  of 
the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  until  the  18th,  when  a  report 
coming  in  that  Morgan  was  raiding  with  his  cavalry 
around  a  little  place  called  Versailles,  fourteen  miles 
distant,  we  were  suddenly  called  upon  at  9  p.  m.  to  go 
in  pursuit,  which  we  did  in  hot  haste.  After  a  tedious 
march  we  reached  Versailles  at  3  o'clock  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  19th,  but  the  enemy  had  fled  and  the  Brigade 
bivouacked  until  6,  w^hen  the  march  was  resumed  to 
Law^renceburg,  thirteen  miles  further.  But  we  were 
again  too  late — caused  by  a  shot  fired  at  the  enemy  by 
our  artillery.  They  left  behind  a  wounded  horse  and 
some  supplies.  As  it  now  became  apparent  that  the 
attempt  to  capture  cavalry  with  infantry  would  be 
useless,  the  Brigade  was  marched  back  to  Frankfort 
where  it  finally  arrived,  tired  and  hungry. 

The  warm  autumn  days  were  disappearing  and  the 
nights  becoming  chilly.  During  our  stay  at  Frankfort 
many  attachments  for  the  place  and  people  had  been 
formed,  but  the  approach  of  winter  made  us  anxious  to 
hear  of  marching  orders  for  a  warmer  climate. 

By  the  25th  it  became  known  that  Bragg  had  es 
caped  from  Kentucky  through  Cumberland  Gap.  Gen 
eral  Buell  had  not  been  able  to  catch  up  nor  bring  on  a 
battle,  but  was  pressing  forAvard  toward  Nashville, 
where  General  Negley  had  been  left  with  a  small  force 
when  Buell  marched  to  the  relief  of  Louisville.  It  now 
became  important  to  raise  the  siege  of  Nashville,  which 
had  been  unsuccessfully  attacked  by  the  forces  of  For 
rest  and  Breckinridge  from  Murfreesboro,  as  it  was 
.anticipated  that  Bragg  would  hurry  forward. additional 
troops,  via  Chattanooga,  in  hopes  of  capturing  the  city. 
There  was  indicated  to  us  in  the  various  movements  on 
the  grand  chess  board  of  war  an  early  march  of  Du- 
mont's  Division,  therefore,  when,  on  the  25th,  orders 
<came  to  be  ready  to  leave  at  8  the  following  morning, 


38  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

no  one  was  sorry.  The  weather  had  turned  very  cold 
and  snow  had  fallen  to  the  depth  of  several  inches  dur 
ing  the  evening. 

The  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  was  astir  early  on  Sunday 
the  26th.  The  air  was  chilly  and  the  damp  snow  made 
us  feel  uncomfortable  as  we  wTere  engaged  in  packing 
up  and  loading  the  wagons.  Those  confiscated  at  Shel- 
byville  we  proposed  to  take  along,  but  their  owners  had 
followed  and  demanded  their  property,  therefore  with 
much  reluctance  they  were  given  up,  with  a  free  ex 
pression  of  opinion,  in  regard  to  the  tenderness  of  our 
officers  for  the  rebel  owners.  No  more  attempts  were 
made  to  recover  the  contrabands  in  camp,  and  it  was 
well,  as  there  would  have  been  open  war  on  this 
question, 

At  9  o'clock  the  infantry,  artillery  and  cavalry  of 
Dumont's  Division  were  in  line,  the  bugle  sounded  the 
"forward"  and,  with  bands  playing  and  flags  flying,  we 
marched  away  toward  the  south.  Our  route  for  five 
miles  lay  over  a  good  turnpike  running  along  the  bluffs 
of  the  Kentucky  river,  the  scenery  was  grand,  the  trees 
being  covered  with  snow,  which  glistened  in  the  sun 
light  with  dazzling  brightness.  But  we  soon  struck  a 
poorer  road  through  a  flat,  densely  wooded  country 
offering  no  variety  of  scenery,  and,  as  every  man  was 
carrying  from  forty  to  fifty  pounds,  the  romance  of  war 
began  to  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  laborious  task  of  march 
ing.  Few  houses  were  passed,  and  the  country  became 
of  a  rougher  character.  In  the  afternoon  we  marched 
through  a  small  log  hamlet  called  "Rough  and  Ready" 
which  well  deserved  the  name,  both  on  account  of  the 
character  of  the  buildings  and  the  people,  a  few  of  whom 
ventured  to  show  themselves  on  the  streets  or  at  the 
windows  and  doors.  We  passed  through  Lawrenceburg 
toward  night,  and  going  four  miles  beyond  halted  and 
went  into  camp  by  the  roadside  at  7  p.  in.,  tired  out  with 
the  day's  toil.  Fortunately  the  wagon  train  arrived 
soon,  the  tents  were  pitched  and  the  rations  cooked. 
After  supper  and  coffee  the  camp  assumed  a  livelier 
appearance,  but  all  were  glad  to  keep  near  the  fires,  for 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  39 

which  the  chestnut  rail  fences  furnished  good  material. 
The  Brigade  had  marched  eighteen  miles,  and  its  en 
durance  had  been  somewhat  tested  by  the  heavy  loads 
carried,  as  well  as  by  new  and  ill-fitting  shoes,  and  the 
entire  change  from  all  that  we  had  been  accustomed,  to 
at  home.  When  the  camp  fires  had  burned  low  and  the 
last  story  had  been  told  by  those  choice  spirits  whom  no 
fatigue  could  long  depress  each  sought  his  hard  couch 
and  restoring  sleep. 

Before  daylight  on  the  27th  reveille  called  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  to  another  day  of  toil  and  hard 
ship.  There  were  many  stiffened  limbs  and  maimed  feet 
in  the  regiment.  Some  also  had  been  attacked  with 
troubles  arising  from  change  of  diet  and  water,  and  tlie 
unnatural  strain  put  upon  them.  The  Surgeon  sent  a 
number  back  to  Frankfort. 

Having  first  braced  up  with  coffee,  hardtack  and 
bacon,  the  march  was  resumed  at  half  past  eight.  The 
light  snow  on  the  ground  made  the  walking  difficult, 
but  we  pressed  on  until  the  roads  or  "traces"  through 
the  woods  became  so  bad  that  frequent  halts  were  made 
to  fix  them  for  the  passage  of  the  trains.  The  country 
was  much  broken.  Now  and  then  a  small  clearing  with 
a  log  house  came  into  view,  with  the  inevitable  darky 
or  some  poor  white  trash,  all  looking  like  relics  of  a  past 
age,  and  seemingly  in  harmony  with  the  wild  natural 
surroundings.  Sometimes  our  route  lay  through  dense 
forests  of  chestnut  and  beech,  where,  during  the  halts, 
an  abundant  harvest  of  nuts  was  gathered,  but  the  coun 
try  seemed  to  be  mostly  covered  with  scrub  oak  and 
brush.  After  thus  toiling  on  all  day  a  halt  was  made 
at  night  near  Chaplintown,  the  distance  traveled  being 
only  eight  miles,  pretty  good  evidence  of  the  difficul 
ties  in  the  way. 

Our  route  on  the  28th  was  over  a  broken  and  hilly 
country  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  when  there  was 
some  improvement.  Frequent  halts  were  made  to  rest. 
We  camped  at  night  in  a  lovely  beech  grove  on  a  hill 
side,  where,  notwithstanding  great  weariness,  the 
woodland  scenery  was  so  fine  as  to  attract  our  atten- 


40  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

tion.  The  day's  march  was  nineteen  miles.  Quite  a 
number  were  sick,  the  writer  among  them,  and  Sur 
geon  Dyer  had  his  hands  full  of  patients. 

We  set  out  on  the  29th  in  good  spirits  and  over  a 
better  road  leading  to  Bardstown.  The  country  im 
proved  as  we  advanced.  Our  rations,  especially  meat, 
were  getting  short.  About  dark  we  crossed  Rolling 
Fork,  a  small  stream,  and  went  into  camp  near  Bards- 
town.  All  were  footsore  and  weary.  After  our  arrival 
rations  of  fresh  beef  were  issued  to  the  Regiment,  a 
quarter  to  each  company.  Our  appetites  were  raven 
ous,  and  as  fast  as  the  beef  could  be  apportioned 
among  the  messes  it  was  cooked  and  eaten  with  a  relish 
known  only  to  the  hungry.  The  privilege  of  retiring 
early  was  improved  by  most  of  the  men,  but  the  writer 
and  some  others  had  to  work  nearly  all  night  on  the 
pay-rolls,  an  order  having  been  issued  to  make  them 
out  at  once.  This  was  not  an  agreeable  tasft  after  our 
long  marches,  with  no  tables  except  the  hard-tack 
boxes,  no  lights  but  candles,  and  knapsacks  for  seats. 

We  resumed  the  march  early  on  the  30th,  glad  to 
leave  the  rusty-looking  old  town  and  its  hard-looking 
people.  The  line  of  march  lay  through  a  broken,  hilly 
country  of  little  interest.  We  passed  the  ruins  of  sev 
eral  houses  belonging  to  Union  men,  which  had  been 
burned  by  the  rebels.  An  interesting  event  occurred 
in  going  through  La  Rue  County.  Near  the  antiquated 
hamlet  of  Hodgenville  we  saw  the  site  of  the  humble 
cabin  where  Abraham  Lincoln  was  born.  It  was  on  a 
little  knoll,  and  near  by  were  some  old  pear,  peach, 
and  apgle  trees.  We  did  not  then  realize  the  great 
ness  of  the  prophet  and  leader  here  raised  up  to  save 
our  Nation  and  free  a  race,  or  every  tree  would  have 
been  carried  away  as  relics — even  to  the  roots.  Pass 
ing  through  a  place  called  New  Haven,  we  bivouacked 
just  beyond  in  a  grass  field,  which  will  be  remembered 
as  the  scene  of  a  very  lively  time  in  fighting  fire,  it 
having  caught  in  the  grass.  But  the  boys  had  seen 
prairie  fires  before  and  knew  how  to  deal  with  it,  so 
that  not  much  damage  was  done.  They  took  care  to 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  41 

get  the  ammunition  out  of  the  way,  not  proposing  to 
be  killed  in  any  such  inglorious  manner.  The  clay's 
march  was  nineteen  miles. 

Early  on  the  31st  the  columns  were  set  in  motion 
and  kept  going  all  day  through  the  same  dreary  coun 
try,  with  nothing  to  excite  interest  but  the  problem  as  to 
when  we  would  halt  for  the  night.  Continuous  inarch 
ing,  much  of  the  time  on  half  rations,  had  reduced  a 
number  to  the  point  of  giving  out  entirely.  Therefore, 
the  order  to  camp  was  hailed  with  joy  by  all.  But 
knowledge  that  we  were  now  approaching  nearer  the 
scenes  of  more  interesting  events  than  had  been  viewed 
before,  was  encouraging  to  us. 

The  line  of  inarch  on  Saturday,  November  1st,  lay 
near  the  Louisville  &  Nashville  Railroad,  and  even  the 
sight  of  this  was  comforting.  Our  progress  was  slow 
and  painful,  and  after  marching  twelve  miles  the 
Brigade  went  into  camp  at  Bacon  Creek,  near  the  sta 
tion  of  the  same  name.  The  weather  was  remarkably 
wrarm  and,  all  being  weary  and  dirty,  the  creek  was 
soon  filled  with  bathers,  strange  as  it  may  seem  at 
so  late  a  period  of  the  season.  It  was  Saturday  night. 
To  those  at  home  enjoying  the  blessings  of  peace  and 
plenty  it  brings  rest  and  a  respite  from  labor,  the  com 
ing  Sabbath  and  its  privileges,  so  necessary  to  body 
and  soul,  but  with  the  soldier  it  is  different,  and  Sun 
day  is  almost  sure  to  be  a  day  of  toil  or  danger. 
Anticipating  the  morrow  our  camp  fires  burned  low 
early. 

As  anticipated,  Sunday,  the  2d,  wras  ushered  in  by 
an  early  start,  after  about  sixty  men  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  had  been  examined  by  the  Surgeon, 
and,  being  found  unable  to  march,  were  left  at  Bacon 
Station  to  come  on  by  rail  to  Bowling  Green.  The 
delusive  hope  of  an  early  halt  caused  the  command  to 
step  off  with  alacrity  and  the  twelve  miles  to  Mum- 
fordsville  was  traversed  by  noon. 

The  Brigade  went  into  camp  on 'the  battle-field,  and 
the  wagons  coming  up  were  partly  unloaded  and  coffee 
was  being  made  when  Colonel  Moore  received  an  order 


42  THE  ONE  HUNDRED   AND   FOURTH 

to  march  in  twenty  minutes.  What  a  fall  was  there 
in  the  thermometer  of  our  hopes! 

After  hasty  and  half  finished  meals  the  march  was 
resumed,  but  with  less  willing  steps  than  in  the  morn 
ing.  On  the  way  over  the  field  shot  and  shell  were 
seen,  also  the  new-made  graves  of  over  one  hundred 
soldiers  who  had  fought  their  last  battle  only  six 
weeks  before.  There  were  numerous  evidences  of  the 
gallant  defense  made 'by  Colonel  Wilder  before  he  sur 
rendered. 

Mumfordsville  proved  to  be  a  straggling  village 
without  attraction  except  as  the  location  of  the  recent 
battle.  The  Green  River  flows  through  it  and  had  been 
spanned  by  a  fine  iron  railroad  bridge,  which  only  par 
tially  escaped  destruction  by  the  rebels.  Crossing  on 
a  pontoon  bridge  laid  down  by  the  Pioneer  Corps,  we 
ascended  the  bluffs  and  pursued  a  southerly  course 
over  rough  roads  until  dark,  when  a  halt  w^as  made  for 
the  night  in  a  cleared  field.  The  long  inarch  with  half 
rations  for  supper  cast  a  shade  of  depression  over  the 
camp.  But,  to  compensate  in  a  measure  for  previous 
troubles,  the  mail  for  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
arrived  in  the  evening,  and  diffused  joy  among  a  large 
number.  Weariness  was  forgotten  in  the  pleasure  of 
hearing  from  friends  at  home.  Those  who  did  not 
receive  a  letter  had  the  sympathy  of  the  rest.  It  may 
be  safely  asserted  that  our  earthen  coaches  seemed 
softer  and  our  aches  and  bruises  less  painful.  We 
also  learned  here  the  pleasing  news  that  the  Army  of 
the  Ohio  now  had  a  new  commander — General  W.  S. 
Kosecrans,  who  had  come  to  us  with  a  high  reputation 
for  military  ability  by  virtue  of  many  successes  in  the 
field.  The  order  making  the  change  was  dated  October 
24th,  and  went  into  effect  October  30th.  The  territory 
within  General  Rosecrans'  jurisdiction  was  styled  the 
"Department  of  the  Cumberland,"  and  the  title  "Army 
of  the  Ohio"  was  changed  to  "Fourteenth  Army  Corps!" 

The  division  inarched  off  early  on  the  morning  of 
the  3d  with  lighter  hearts  and  more  elastic  steps.  The 
soldier  loves  change,  new  scenes  and  excitements,. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  4a 

besides  the  fame  of  General  Kosecrans  had  preceded 
him,  and  all  believed  that  the  hero  who  had  been  so 
successful  in  Mississippi  would  lead  us  to  victory. 
During  the  day  we  passed  by  Horse  Cave,  a  station* on 
the  Louisville  &  Nashville  road.  Mammoth  Cave  was 
under  us  and  the  entrance  but  eight  miles  distant. 
This  section  had  been  the  favorite  resort  of  guerrillas^ 
the  inhabitants  being  almost  wholly  rebels.  It  was 
a  God-forsaken,  wild  country.  After  going  eighteen 
miles  we  camped  for  the  night  within  a  short  march 
from  Bowling  Green. 

At  9  o'clock  on  November  4th,  the  command  again 
set  out  and  in  high  spirits,  as  we  were  now  drawing 
near  our  objective,  where  we  expected  to  remain  for 
some  time.  But  we  found  the  roads  blocked  by  numer 
ous  wagon  trains  and  other  troops  ahead  of  us.  Many 
halts  were  made,  and  it  was  sundown  before  we  arrived 
at  the  Big  Barren  river,  which  runs  through  Bowling 
Green.  We  crossed  this  on  a  pontoon  and  marched 
through  the  town,  supposing  that  our  camping  place 
could  not  be  far  off.  It  turned  out  that  we  labored 
under  a  mistake,  for  we  kept  on  three  miles  further,, 
until  the  town  had  disappeared  from  view.  Then,  when 
every  one  was  getting  mad  and  many  swearing  like 
troopers,  we  halted  and  bivouacked  in  a  corn  field  on 
very  stony  ground.  It  was  late  when  our  tents  arrived 
and  were  put  up.  We  had  been  on  half  rations  for 
several  days.  The  whole  command  had  borne  up  well, 
but  were  very  tired  to-night.  At  a  later  hour,  and 
after  coffee  and  rations,  matters  around,  the  camp 
assumed  a  more  cheerful  aspect.  We  had  accom 
plished  since  leaving  Frankfort  a  journey  of  160  miles. 

The  5th  of  Novelnber  was  passed  in  camp,  and  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  improved  the  time  in  rest- . 
ing,  repairing  damages  to  limbs  and  clothing,  and  in 
going  on  excursions,  when  a  pass  could  be  obtained,, 
to  town  and  the  many  interesting  points  around  Bowl 
ing  Green.  Our  camp  was  on  Lost  River,  an  affluent 
of  the  Big  Barren.  Within  a  few  rods  was  Lost  Cave, 
where  the  river  disappears  and  does  not  flow  above 


44  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ground  again.  Probably  every  one  in  the  Regiment 
explored  this  great  natural  curiosity  and  brought 
away  many  beautiful  stalactites  found  on  the  roof. 
This  whole  section  of  the  country  is  honey-combed  with 
caves,  all  in  limestone  formations. 

November  6th  wTas  signalized  by  our  removal  to 
another  location,  one  mile  distant,  in  a  cedar  grove, 
where  we  were  annoyed  less  by  dirt  and  dust  than  at 
Lost  Cave.  Explorations  continued  to  be  the  diversion 
of  some  when  off  duty;  others  occupied  the  time  in 
writing  letters  and  resting.  Full  rations  were  issued 
again.  We  received  letters  and  papers  from  home, 
which  made  the  postmaster  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  a  very  popular  man. 

Colonel  Moore,  at  his  own  request,  being  super 
seded  in  the  command  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  by 
Colonel  Joseph  R.  Scott,  of  the  Nineteenth  Illinois, 
returned  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth. 

The  event  of  the  7th  was  the  review  of  Dumont's 
Division  by  General  Rosecrans.  This  was  our  first 
view  of  the  distinguished  General-in-Chief.  Accom 
panied  by  a  large  and  brilliant  staff,  he  rode  swiftly 
down  the  long  lines  of  brigades  and  regiments,  which 
presented  arms  as  he  passed.  Riding  up  to  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  he  halted,  made  a  critical  sur 
vey  of  the  Regiment  and  addressed  it  in  the  following 
words,  which  were  taken  down  by  the  writer  verbatim 
et  literatim : 

"Officers  and  men:  I  wish  to  give  you  a  little 
advice.  When  you  meet  the  enemy  fire  low.  Never 
turn  your  backs  to  the  foe — cowards  are  sure  to  be 
shot.  Look  your  antagonist  in  the  eye,  and  he  will 
not  dare  to  shoot  you." 

The  General  then  rode  away,  leaving  with  us  the 
impression  of  his  greatness  and  that  we  had  been 
greatly  honored  by  his  presence.  After  review  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  returned  to  camp  and  spec 
ulated  about  our  future  movements,  at  it  was  known 
that  all  of  the  troops  were  pushing  for  Nashville. 

Battalion  drill  occupied  a  good  portion  of  the  time 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  45 

on  the  8th  and  9th,  but  in  the  afternoon  of  the  latter 
date  orders  were  received  from  army  headquarters 
detaching  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  from  Dumont's 
Division,  and  directing  Colonel  Scott  to  be  ready  to 
march  on  the  10th  to  Glasgow,  Ky.  As  General  Sill's 
Division  had  just  left  that  place  our  movement  was 
ordered  for  the  purpose  of  replacing  his  forces,  and 
in  conformity  with  the  general  line  of  advance  -toward 
Nashville,  at  the  same  time  protecting  our  extreme 
left  and  watching  the  fords  of  the  Cumberland  river 
for  any  attempts  of  the  enemy  to  cross. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


March  to  Glasgow — "No  Bob" — Arrival  at  Tompkinsville — Chas 
ing-  Guerrillas — Attack  on  the  Pickets — Threatening  Demon 
stration  by  Rebel  Cavalry— Hasty  Exit  and  Night  March- 
Goose  Creek  Valley — Thanksgiving  Celebrated — Arrival  at 
Hartsville — Colonel  Moore  Assumes  Command — The  Situation 
and  Troops — Portents  of  Danger. 


The  advance  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  will  be 
more  clearly  understood  by  briefly  reviewing  the  situ 
ation  with  reference  to  the  entire  field  embraced  within 
the  lines  of  operation  of  General  Rosecrans'  army. 

His  headquarters  had  been  established  at  Nash 
ville  on  the  9th.  General  Thomas,  commanding  the 
center — consisting  of  the  divisions  of  Rosseau,  Neg- 
ley,  Dumont,  Fry  and  Palmer,  was  at  Gallatin,  Ten 
nessee,  from  whence  he  directed  operations  and  repairs 
on  the  railroad  to  Louisville,  this  line  being  the  only 
way  of  communication  by  rail  with  the  rear.  General 
Thomas  so  disposed  of  his  troops  as  to  guard  this  road. 
Generals  McCook  and  Crittenden,  commanding,  respect 
ively,  the  right  and  left  wings,  wrere  slowly  converging 
on  Nashville  by  different  routes. 

The  intention  of  General  Bragg  had  not  then  devel 
oped,  but  his  troops  were  known  to  be  concentrating 
at  Murfreesboro.  His  cavalry,  largely  superior  in  num 
bers  to  that  of  General  Rosecrans,  became  very  active 
at  this  time  in  operations  against  our  line  of  commu 
nication  with  the  rear  and  our  flanks,  never  neglecting 
an  opportunity  to  destroy  or  capture  supply  trains  and 
small  outlying  detachments.  In  accordance,  there 
fore,  with  the  general  policy  of  advance  governing  all 
of  the  troops,  and  pursuant  to  the  order  mentioned  at 
the  close  of  the  last  chapter,  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade, 
composed,  besides  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hundred  and  Eigth 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  47 

Ohio  and  a  detachment  of  the  Second  Indiana  Cav 
alry,  and  commanded  by  Colonel  Scott,  broke  camp 
at  noon  on  the  10th  of  November  and  began  the  march. 
Passing  through  Bowling  Green  the  brigade  marched 
five  miles  and  bivouacked  for  the  night  in  a  grove  by 
the  roadside.  All  were  in  good  spirits  and  had  fully 
recovered  from  the  effects  of  the  long  tramp  from 
Frankfort.  In  the  evening  the  camp  darkies  gave  an 
impromptu  entertainment  of  songs,  hoe-down  dances, 
and  a  butting  exhibition  with  their  heads,  in  which 
the  amount  of  pounding  they  endured  was  aston 
ishing. 

We  again  set  out  early  on  the  llth,  and  soon  turned 
into  a  poor  road  through  a  rough,  hilly  country.  The 
marching  became  fatiguing,  and  after  toiling  on  all 
day,  and  only  making  fourteen  miles,  the  Brigade  went 
into  camp. 

Starting  early  on  the  12th  we  pursued  a  rough 
country  road,  which  had  to  be  repaired  often.  The 
country  was  hilly  and  densely  wooded,  offering  much 
attractive  scenery.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  held 
the  advance,  and  at  noon  we  entered  Glasgow  after 
a  march  of  thirteen  miles.  From  the  name  we  expected 
to  see  a  place  of  some  importance,  but  were  disap 
pointed.  Many  of  the  buildings,  in  fact  most  of  them, 
had  an  antique  appearance,  as  if  they  might  have  come 
from  the  old  Scotch  city,  and  the  majority  were  built 
of  logs.  Their  occupants  were  in  keeping  with  all  else 
in  this  out-of-the-way  village,  even  in  color — except 
the  negroes  resembling  the  yellowish  clay  soil  on  which 
they  grew  and  apparently  thrived,  notwithstanding 
the  tell-tale  traces  of  whisky  and  tobacco,  both,  by 
the  way,  leading  products  of  this  part  of  Southern 
Kentucky.  Marching  through  the  one  main  street  the 
Brigade  went  into  camp  at  the  south  end  on  a  hill 
side,  at  the  foot  of  which  flowed  a  clear  beautiful 
creek.  Our  marches,  thus  far  had  been  deliberate,  and 
Colonel  Scott  had  the  credit  of  knowing  how  to  "march 
men"  and  take  care  of  their  bodies  and  interests  gen 
erally. 


48  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

We  remained  at  Glasgow  two  days,  engaged  in  the- 
usual  camp  duties,  and  between  times  exploring  the 
town,  talking  with  the  people,  and  doing  some  trading 
at  the  small  stores  to  help  out  our  rations.  Persim 
mons  and  nuts  grew  abundantly  around  the  place  and 
were  gathered  by  all  who  had  a  taste  for  such  luxuries. 

Pursuant  to  orders  received  by  Colonel  Scott  the 
Brigade  left  Glasgow  on  Saturday,  the  14th.  We  at 
once  entered  a  ivilder  and  rougher  country  than  we 
had  seen  before,  where  hills  and  valleys  followed  in 
rapid  succession,  and  the  roads  were  in  the  worst 
possible  order,  requiring  frequent  halts  to  fix  them 
and  to  help  the  mules  and  wagons  over  rough  places. 
The  tiresome  march  was  completed  at  dark  by  our 
sudden  debouchure  from  th£  woods  into  a  clearing 
dimly  outlined  by  the  tall  forests  around  it,  in  which 
was  discernible  the  log  hamlet  enjoying  the  euphoni 
ous  name  of  "No  Bob."  Not  being  particular  about 
names,  we  passed  through  and  went  into  camp  to  study 
the  etymology  of  the  word  by  the  warmth  of  our  fires 
in  the  evening.  In  the  morning,  which  was  Sunday, 
we  were  gratified  to  find  the  weather  warm  and  pleas 
ant.  A  casual  survey  of  the  place  brought  to  view 
about  twenty  log  houses  in  graduated  stages  of  decay. 
The  few  inhabitants  were  of  the  type  common  to  these 
remote  and  wild  sections  of  Kentucky,  showing  in 
their  faces  the  fearful  effects  of  cheap  corn  whisky, 
or  "Mountain  dew,"  of  ignorance  and  poverty.  There 
was  whisky  in  every  house.  Sherman  Leland,  of  Com 
pany  D,  clerk  to  the  Adjutant,  who  possessed  a  judicial 
mind  and  much  taste  for  research,  interviewed  the 
"oldest  citizen"  as  to  the  origin  and  history  of  the 
.term  "No  Bob,"  and  succeeded  in  extracting  from  him 
the  following  explanation :  The  town  was  once  known 
as  "Flat  Head" — reason  therefor  unknown  ;  but  once 
on  a  time  a  man  named  Robert  was  lost  in  the  adja 
cent  forests,  and  a  serening  party,  after  a  fruitless 
search,  met  by  previous  agreement  at  Flat  Head,  and 
reported  "No  Bob  found,"  and  thereafter  it  was  called 
by  the  present  name. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  49 

From  the  above  it  may  be  deduced  that  the  expres 
sion  "What's  in  a  name"  has  been  often  used  unre- 
flectively.  Without  citing  a  thousand  instances  in 
proof,  the  reader  will  notice  how  directly  and  fittingly 
our  soldiers  and  the  untutored,  but  honest,  people  wre 
were  among,  always  arrived  at  just  conclusions  in  the 
simplest  way  and  acted  accordingly.  Having  rescued 
this  remote  hamlet  from  oblivion  by  the  unsolicited 
honor  of  its  presence,  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  set  out 
again  to  perform  another  Sabbath  day's  journey,  and 
was  soon  struggling  along  through  the  dense  forests 
over  execrable  roads.  But,  while  delayed  by  the 
numerous  obstacles  in  the  way,  we  did  not  fail  to 
appreciate  the  grand  and  solemn  beauty  of  the  vast 
solitudes  of  forest,  of  the  rocky  glens  and  clear  run 
ning  streams  that  lay  along  our  pathway.  As  night 
approached  the  sky  became  overcast  with  clouds  and 
a  drizzling  rain  set  in,  increasing  our  anxiety  to  reach 
Tompkinsville,  which  we  did  by  dark,  having  marched 
only  thirteen  miles  since  morning. 

Being  now  in  a  section  filled  with  rebel  citizens 
and  one  subject  to  sudden  forays  from  the  enemy's 
cavalry,  Colonel  Scott  selected  a  camp  suited  for 
defense  on  an  elevated  part  of  the  town,  and  the  tents 
were  speedily  pitched.  The  short  rations  and  the  cof 
fee  were  heartily  relished  after  the  labored  inarch  of 
the  day.  Having  dried  their  wet  clothing,  most  of  the 
men  were  glad  to  sleep.  Those  sent  out  on  guard  and 
picket  duty  did  not  have  a  pleasant  task  on  this  stormy 
night. 

The  time  up  to  the  20th  was  employed  in  drilling 
and  camp  routine,  and  much  enlivened  by  the  known 
exposure  of  the  Brigade  to  attack,  and  by  the  daily 
rumors  of  intended  forays.  Most  of  the  people  had 
identified  themselves  with  the  rebels,  either  actively 
or  as  spies  and  abettors,  in  which  position  they  could 
do  us  the  most  damage. 

Captain  Leighton  had  been  Acting  Provost  Mar 
shal  at  Glasgow,  and  held  the  same  position  in  Tomp- 


50  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH. 

kinsville,  where,  with  Lieutenant  Prescott,  they  found 
their  time  full}'  occupied  in  arresting  and  taking  care 
of  rebel  citizens  and  spies.  He  also  discovered  a  num 
ber  of  good  Union  men  and  families. 

Guerrilla  bands  in  the  immediate  vicinity  were 
active,  and  ever  on  the  watch  in  ambush  to  shoot  down 
our  pickets  and  any  thoughtless  soldier  who  might 
wander  outside  the  Federal  lines.  One  Captain  Ham 
ilton  commanded  these  freebooters,  and  kept  the  rebel 
generals  south  of  the  Cumberland  fully  posted  in 
regard  to  our  movements. 

In  consequence  of  their  boldness — having  already 
dashed  suddenly  through  the  outskirts  of  the  town, 
but  without  doing  or  suffering  damage,  Captain  Doty, 
with  Company  E,  was  on  the  evening  of  the  20th 
detailed  to  attempt  their  capture  or  destruction.  Also, 
other  signs  and  rumors  indicating  an  attack  on  the 
town,  the  entire  Brigade  was  ordered  into  line  and 
remained  thus  all  night.  Starting  at  nine  p.  m.  with 
the  Company  and  a  guide,  Captain  Dot5T  marched  to 
the  rebel  rendezvous,  five  or  six  miles  distant.  The 
writer  will  never  forget  the  enthusiasm  and  fond 
expectation  we  all  felt,  as  we  stumbled  along  in  the 
darkness  over  hill  and  dale  in  silence.  The  guns  and 
sixty  rounds  were  ready  for  instant  use.  At  last  the 
company  was  so  disposed  as  to  rush  in  and  surround 
the  rebel  camp,  which  was  situated  near  a  house  in  a 
little  valley.  The  lines  of  circumvallation  slowly 
closed  in,  but  to  our  surprise  no  hostile  challenge 
awoke  the  night  echoes — the  foe  had  fled!  But. the 
still  bright  camp  fires  and  scattered  piles  of  corn  were 
there  in  evidence.  Our  chagrin  was  great,  and  after 
interviewing  the  citizen  in  the  house,  who  knewT  noth 
ing  and  claimed  to  be  a  Unionist,  the  command 
marched  back  to  camp,  where  it  arrived  at  daybreak, 
just  as  the  rest  of  the  Brigade  was  breaking  ranks 
after  its  night  vigil. 

Nothing  of  an  exciting  character  disturbed  the 
camp  during  the  day  or  night  of  the  21st.  Colonel 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  «r>l 

Scott  doubled  the  pickets  and  guards,  and  every  man 
took  extra  care  to  have  his  musket  and  cartridge  box 
handy  in  case  of  a  night  attack. 

The  events  of  Saturday,  the  22d,  proved  to  be  the 
most  interesting  and  important  of  any  yet  experienced. 
Early  in  the  day  the  scouts  and  pickets  reported  that 
rebel  cavalry  were  hovering  around,  apparently  in 
force,  in  consequence  of  which  Colonel  Scott  ordered 
the  command  to  remain  closely  in  quarters  ready  to 
respond  to  the  "long  roll"  at  a  moment's  notice.  In 
the  latter  part  of  the  afternoon  a  detachment  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Sixth  Ohio,  doing  picket  duty,  was 
suddenly  attacked,  one  man  killed,  one  mortally 
wounded,  and  six  captured,  but  the  enemy  advanced 
no  further.  Aroused  by  the  firing  and  the  long  roll, 
the  Brigade  immediately  formed  in  line  of  battle,  where 
it  remained  until  one  o'clock  Sunday  morning,  at  which 
hour  the  scouts  returned  and  reported  the  rebels 
•encamped  three  miles  from  the  town.  Colonel  Scott 
at  once  sent  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  in  pursuit. 
The  Regiment  started,  but  owing  to  the  darkness  and 
rough  roads  or  paths,  marched  slowly.  The  rebel  camp 
was  surrounded  and  closed  in  upon,  but  the  enemy 
had  again  fled,  warned,  no  doubt,  by  friends.  Much 
chagrined,  we  retraced  our  steps  to  Tompkinsville, 
arriving  early  in  the  morning. 

We  were  permitted  to  pass  Sunday  in  quiet,  but 
vigilance  was  not  relaxed.  Mail  arrived  from  Bowling- 
Green,  and  news  of  the  death  at  that  place  of  Rufus 
E.  C.  Hurin,  of  Company  D.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  was  further  saddened  by  the  death  here  in  our 
midst  of  Stephen  Walters,  of  Company  E,  who  died  this 
morning  of  disease.  In  the  afternoon  of  to-day  he  was 
buried  with  military  honors  in  a  soldier's  grave.  To 
die  in  battle  may  be  regarded  without  emotion,  and 
is  expected,  but  to  waste  away  with  slow  disease  and 
die  in  a  hostile  land,  far  from  home  and  friends,  is 
inexpressibly  sad.  These  were  among  the  first  deaths 
that  had  occurred  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth. 


52  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  Thirty-ninth 
Brigade  was  not  excited  by  alarms  on  the  23d,  enough 
had  been  developed  to  fill  all  with  high  expectation 
of  still  more  important  events.  It  became  known  to 
a  few  on  Monday  that  Colonel  Scott  had  received 
orders  on  Sunday  evening  to  march  at  once.  And  he 
would  have  done  so,  but  hesitated  on  account  of  the 
supply  train  that  had  gone  to  Cave  City  for  rations, 
but  had  not  returned,  and  he  felt  some  anxiety  about 
it.  But  on  Monday  he  sent  a  courier  to  turn  the  train 
toward  Bowling  Green,  and  resolved  to  break  camp 
in  the  evening  at  all  events. 

However  we  were  destined  to  enjoy  a  little  more 
excitement  before  making  our  final  departure.  Kebel 
cavalry  suddenly  appeared  in  force  at  noon  in  front 
of  the  pickets  and  in  sight  of  our  camp,  and  some 
desultory  firing  commenced,  in  which  the  pickets  stood 
their  ground,  aided  by  our  small  detachment  of  cav 
alry,  and  succeeded  in  capturing  one  man,  who  said 
the  enemy  was  the  rebel  Colonel  Scott's  cavalry,  TOO 
strong,  and  represented  that  another  force  was  advanc 
ing  on  the  Scottsville  road.  Upon  hearing  the  firing 
the  long  roll  was  beaten  and  brought  the  Brigade  into 
line  on  the  double  quick.  Colonel  Moore,  by  order  of 
Colonel  Scott,  directed  Companies  A  and  B  to  be 
deployed  to  the  right  and  front,  and  Company  H  to 
the  left,  as  skirmishers,  all  under  Major  Widmer.  The 
rest  of  the  Brigade  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  a 
good  position  by  Colonel  Scott.  While  these  movements 
were  being  executed  artillery  firing  was  heard  on  our 
left  front.  But,  knowing  from  the  sound  of  the  guns 
that  they  were  small  ones,  called  "Mountain  howitz 
ers,"  (or,  in  army  parlance,  "Jackass  howitzers")  we 
were  more  amused  than  alarmed  by 'this  part  of  the 
show.  Meantime  Colonel  Scott  and  staff  were  doing 
some  rapid  riding  and  reconnoitering  in  the  direction 
of  the  enemy  and  making  such  new  dispositions  of  the 
Brigade  as  circumstances  suggested.  But  no  further 
demonstration  was  made  by  the  enemy,  who  had  retired 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

to  the  woods.  To  pursue  them  would  have  been  use 
less,  and  we  had  no  artillery,  much  to  Colonel  Scott's 
regret. 

Having  stood  in  line  until  nine  in  the  evening,  we 
were  marched  back  to  camp,  and  here  met  with  an 
order  to  be  ready  to  march  in  half  an  hour.  This 
order  met  with  a  cool  reception  by  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  most  of  whom  were  not  aware  of  the 
order  before  mentioned.  It  looked  like  running  away 
in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  a  "skedaddle"  in  fact,  and 
the  Regiment  having  come  down  here  to  fight  did  not 
relish  giving  up  the  promising  prospect  of  a  nice  little 
brush  with  the  enemy.  There  was  much  grumbling. 
The  baggage  was  scattered  around  in  the  tents,  and 
as  five  of  our  twelve  wagons  had  been  sent  to  Cave 
City,  much  had  to  be  left  behind,  also  all  of  the  sick 
—quite  a  number.  These  were  quartered  in  the  houses 
of  Union  men  in  the  town,  and  would  probably  be 
captured.  But,  packing  up  in  haste,  the  Thirty-ninth 
Brigade,  at  ten  o'clock,  filed  out  of  camp  and  the  town, 
and  in  a  short  time  was  lost  to  view — even  of  itself— 
in  the  darkness  of  the  forest,  As  we  were  traversing 
the  narrow  "trace"  with  thick  brush  and  trees  on  each 
side,  the  thought  occurred  that  here  was  a  splendid 
opportunity  for  the  enemy  to  attack.  But  all  were 
ready — half  expecting  it.  The  Brigade  Was  kept  w^ell 
closed  up  and  frequently  halted  to  await  the  arrival 
of  the  wagons  which  encountered  numerous  difficul 
ties.  At  two  o'clock  a  halt  was  made  until  daylight, 
and  in  five  minutes  every  man  except  the  guards,  rolled 
up  in  his  blanket,  was  sound  asleep,  alike  oblivious  to 
friend  or  foe. 

At  daylight  of  the  25th  we  found  that  "our  flag  wras 
still  there,"  and  also  learned  to  our  surprise  that  the 
Brigade,  though  having  marched  ten  miles  in  the  night, 
was  but  three  from  the  camp  we  had  left  so  hastily. 
The  guide  had  purposely  or  ignorantly  misled  us.  This 
news  did  not  fall  pleasantly  on  our  ears.  After  a  hasty 
lunch  the  march  was  resumed  at  seven  o'clock,  and 
continued  until  ten,  when  a  halt  was  made  for  break- 


54  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

fast.  The  Brigade  then  moved  slowly  along  all  day 
over  very  rough  roads,  but  amidst  much  fine  scenery, 
as  we  were  now  entering  the  mountain  region  of  Ken 
tucky.  When  we  bivouacked  at  night  we  had  marched 
only  ten  miles  since  ten  o'clock.  The  civilization  of 
this  section  was  of  a  very  primitive  type  as  regarded 
houses  and  people.  There  were  corn,  cotton  and 
tobacco  patches  at  intervals,  and  we  were  pleased  to 
see  many  apple  and  peach  orchards,  with  fruit  still 
on  the  trees,  thus  giving  us  an  opportunity  to  make  our 
scant  half  rations  whole  ones,  and  it  was  not  neglected. 
Some  averred,  also,  that  they  found  a  superior  article 
of  apple  jack,  also  peach  brandy,  which  was  not  dis 
puted. 

The  Brigade  moved  early  on  the  26th  over  much 
rougher  roads  than  before  and  through  valleys  where 
the  hills  four  or  five  hundred  feet  high  looked  to  us 
like  mountains.  At  noon  we  crossed  the  Barren  river 
by  wading  and  halted  for  dinner.  We  then  moved  on 
and  soon  after  passed  the  state  line  into  Tennessee. 
The  camp  at  night  was  in  a  favorable  locality,  being- 
near  an  orchard,  and  where  good  cured  tobacco  was 
abundant. 

Resuming  the  march  early  on  the  27th,  our  route 
led  us  over  the  wildest  and  most  mountainous  country 
yet  seen,  and-  nearly  all  day  through  "Goose  Creek  Val 
ley,"  a  locality  never  to  be  forgotten.  We  saw  few 
white  men,  but  plenty  of  the  native  product  of  the 
gentler  (?)  sex — heaven  save  the  mark! — also  negroes. 
Some  of  these  women  gave  the  boys,  as  they  marched 
along,  their  opinions  of  "Yankees,"  and  used  those 
natural  weapons  of  war,  viz. :  their  tongues,  in  a  most 
regardless  and  profane  manner.  However,  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  was  composed  of  gentlemen,  and 
they  seldom  replied,  but  maintained  the  same  meek 
composure  they  would  have  displayed  when  listening 
to  a  curtain  lecture  at  home  or  a  chiding  from  their 
sweethearts  for  some  fancied  neglect.  The  phlegmatic 
Dutchmen  were  unaffected — not  understanding  the 
mountain  jargon  of  these  women.  At  all  events  not 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  55 

one  of  them  dropped  a  goose  or  chicken  in  consequence. 
We  marched  on,  and  let  no  one  suppose  that  this 
Thanksgiving  Day  remained  uncelebrated  by  us  in 
the  wild  mountains  of  Tennessee.  In  memoriam,  we 
were  thankful  and  joyful,  and  fortunately  the  circum 
stances  were  favorable  to  our  purpose.  This  valley 
literally  teemed  with  an  abundance  of  all  those  things 
which  Ave  had  been  accustomed  to  see  enter  into  the 
menu  of  the  great  National  festival  day  at  home,  such 
as  turkeys,  chickens,  geese,  pigs,  and  fruits,  in  quan 
tity.  There  were  also  some  other  products  we  had 
read  about  and  had  had  some  previous  acquaintance 
with,  to  wit,  apple-jack  and  peach  brandy.  Here  was 
the  "still"  "whose  worm  dieth  not,"  from  which  flowed 
liquids  almost  as  abundant  and  easy  to  obtain  as  the 
pure  water  of  the  mountain  rills  flowing  at  our  feet. 
The  "Happy  Valley"  of  "Rasselas,"  so  vividly  described 
by  Dr.  Johnson,  could  not  have  produced  a  purer  or 
more  exhilarating  article,  nor  one  better  calculated  to 
awaken  the  latent  emotions  of  the  soul  on  a  great 
occasion.  Such  was  the  opinion  of  our  experts,  for  it 
cannot  be  denied  that  we  had  among  us  some  who 
were  well  qualified  to  judge. 

Colonel  Scott,  being  in  a  good  humor  from  having 
escaped  a  possible  catastrophe  at  Tompkinsville,  also 
appreciating  the  day  and  the  advantages  of  Goose  Creek 
valley  as  a  camp,  graciously  ordered  a  halt  at  4  p.  m., 
and  we  camped  in  a  lovely  meadow  almost  entirely 
surrounded  by  mountains  a  thousand  feet  high.  On 
their  craggy  sides  were  perched  here  and  there  the 
huts  of  the  "mountaineers,"  and  around  each  was  a 
small  clearing  devoted  to  the  raising  of  corn  and 
tobacco,  Avith  some  apple  and  peach  trees.  The  Bri 
gade  was  in  a  good  humor  to-night.  Some  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth — and  all  of  the  Dutch,  who  had 
been  marching  and  celebrating  all  day,  came  in  not 
only  happy,  but  prepared  to  give  the  coup  de  grace 
to  the  last  hours  from  well  filled  canteens.  As  a  chef 
d'oeuvre  an  order  from  Brigade  headquarters  wTas 
issued  directing  that  two  barrels  of  "Mountain  dew" 


66  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

which  the  Quartermaster  had  confiscated  be  properly 
distributed  iu  the  regular  way.  This  made  the  bill  of 
fare  complete,  and  no  soldier  went  to  bed  hungry  or 
thirsty.  Thus  at  last  ended  Thanksgiving  in  a  blaze 
of  glory! 

When  the  march  was  resumed  on  the  morning  of 
the  28th  our  steps  had  lost  the  springy,  elastic  quality 
displayed  on  the  previous  day.  The  roads  seemed 
rougher  and  the  scenery  less  charming  than  in  Goose 
Creek  valley,  as  in  fact  it  was.  The  high  mountains 
were  succeeded  by  hills  and  a  flatter  country.  This 
section  was  strongly  rebel  in  sentiment.  The  following 
interesting  remark  by  a  woman  whose  house  we  passed 
was  furnished  to  the  writer  by  Sherman  Leland.  The 
column  was  marching  by,  when,  observing  a  contra 
band  in  Company  G,  she  said:  "Dog  on  your  heart, 
that's  my  nigger."  She  had  been  weeping  over  the 
loss  of  a  mule,  which  caused  her  tears;  the  loss  of  a 
nigger  dried  them  up  and  turned  her  anguish  into 
anger. 

No  further  incident  of  note  occurred  until  we  had 
arrived  within  three  miles  of  Plartsville,  when  we  came 
suddenly  upon  a  body  of  rebel  cavalry,  which  retreated 
in  haste,  our  advance  sending  some  shots  after  them 
and  capturing  two  men,  who  said  they  belonged  to 
Colonel  Bennett's  command,  200  strong. 

At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  Brigade  passed 
through  the  ATillage  of  Hartsville  and  encamped  one 
mile  beyond  in  a  piece  of  timber  land  which  had  been 
partially  cleared.  The  camp  was  on  high  ground,  one 
hundred  yards  from  the  Cumberland  river,  whose  banks 
were  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  feet  high.  The  tents 
were  pitched  and  fires  made  in  them,  as  the  weather 
had  turned  cold. 

We  had  marched  fifty-five  miles  since  leaving  Tomp- 
kinsville  on  one  and  a  half  day's  regular  rations,  but, 
like  the  Israelites  of  old,  we  had  found  manna  provided 
for  us  on  the  way. 

The  Second  Brigade,  First  Division,  which  ours 
relieved,  was  still  here.  The  wagon  train  sent  to  Cave 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

City  arrived  in  the  evening  with  five  days'  rations  and 
a  lot  of  ammunition.  It  had  come  via  Gallatin  and  met 
with  a  hearty  welcome. 

One  of  Colonel  Scott's  first  acts  after  selecting  the 
position  for  our  camp,  which  he  did  after  conferring 
with  Colonel  John  M.  Harlan,  commanding  the  Second 
Brigade,  was  to  naake  out  and  forward  his  report  of  the 
Tompkinsville  affair  to  General  E.  Dumont  at  Gallatin. 
This  may  be  found  in  "Rebellion  Records,"  Series  I,  Vol. 
20,  p.  14. 

The  Second  Brigade  left  on  the  29th  for  Castillian 
Springs,  leaving  with  us,  however,  a  detachment  of  the 
Second  Indiana  Cavalry  and  a  section  of  Nicklin's  Bat 
tery  (Thirteenth  Indiana),  also  a  company  of  the 
Eleventh  Kentucky  Cavalry — Captain  Slater. 

The  position  we  occupied  w^as  an  important  one, 
but  exposed  to  attack.  We  were  opposite  the  extreme 
right  flank  of  Bragg's  army,  which  lay  at  Murfrees- 
boro,  thirty-six  miles  distant.  Dumont,  with  part  of 
the  Twelfth  Division,  was  at  Gallatin,  fifteen  miles 
distant.  Harlan's  and  Miller's  Brigades  were  at  Cas 
tillian  Springs,  the  latter  nine  miles  distant  and  sup 
posed  to  be  within  supporting  distance  of  Hartsville. 
The  objects  sought  to  be  accomplished  were  to  watch 
the  fords  of  the  Cumberland  for  any  crossing  that 
might  be  attempted  by  Morgan  and  Forrest  or  by  larger 
forces.  This  was  the  more  important,  as  Bragg  had 
10,000  cavalry  to  Rosecrans'  4,000,  and  once  in  the  rear 
could  play  havoc  with  our  communications. 

Nothing  of  importance  occurred  until  December 
2d,  on  which  date  Colonel  Scott,  having  been  ordered 
to  report  at  Naslrville,  turned  over  the  command  to 
Colonel  Moore.  On  assuming  this  responsible  position 
Colonel  Moore  reorganized  the  staff,  retaining,  how 
ever,  Captain  William  Y.  Gholson,  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Sixth  Ohio,  as  acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General, 
and  Lieutenant  Jacob  Dewalt  as  Aide-de-Camp.  He 
appointed  Lieutenant  M.  Osman  A.  Q.  M.,  Lieutenant 
William  Strawn  A.  C.  S.,  Lieutenant  Tewksbury  A.  I. 
G.  All  of  these  were  from  the  One  Hundred  and 


68  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Fourth,  and  at  once  entered  upon  their  duties.  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Hapenian  now  assumed  command  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth. 

Company  A,  Captain  Leighton,  was  sent  down  to 
occupy  Hartsville  and  keep  a  watchful  eye  on  the  rebel 
lious  citizens  of  the  village.  It  was  certain  that  all 
were  rebels  and  active  as  spies  and  abettors  of  the 
Confederates. 

The  system  of  scouts  and  pickets  established  by 
Colonel  Scott  was  maintained  and  further  strength 
ened  by  his  successor,  and  active  reconuoissances  made 
every  day  on  all  the  roads  leading  into  Hartsville  from 
the  other  side  of  the  river,  as  w^ell  as  those  up  and 
down  that  stream,  which  was  deep,  with  few  fords 
and  precipitous  banks.  These  duties  employed  all  of 
the  cavalry  and  several  companies  of  infantry.  Sleep 
less  vigilance  was  to  be  the  price  of  our  safety. 

The  total  effective  force  of  all  arms — infantry,  artil 
lery,  and  cavalry — did  not  exceed  1,800  men,  and  this 
included  details  of  companies  and  parts  of  companies 
for  the  various  duties,  which  w^ere  constant  and  exact 
ing.  At  this  time,  also,  many  were  sick  in  hos 
pital.  There  only  remained,  therefore,  after  making- 
due  allowance  for  the  above  detached  services,  an 
effective  force  of  not  more  than  1,200  men  in  camp 
capable  of  being  thrown  into  line  of  battle  in  c.M«e 
of  a  sudden  attack.  All  of  the  infantry  regi 
ments  were  new,  having  been  in  the  service  but 
three  months,  most  of  which  time  being  occu 
pied  in  marching,  the  opportunities  for  acquiring  that 
proficiency  in  drill  and  discipline  which  give  confi 
dence  and  effectiveness  on  the  day  of  battle  had  been 
few  and  far  between,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  few  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  appreciated  as  yet  its 
vital  importance  should  it  be  called  into  action.  But 
every  man  with  the  elements  of  manhood  in  him  knew 
how  to  fight  individually,  had  confidence  in  himself, 
and,  believing  the  same  of  his  comrades,  naturally 
acquired  the  idea  that  the  Regiment,  when  put  to  the 
test,  would  prove  invincible.  This,  at  least,  was  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS  59 

writer's  idea,  and  claimed  with  confidence  to  be  rep 
resentative  of  the  majority  of  our  brave  boys. 

But  it  was  felt  that  not  much  reliance  could  be 
placed  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hun 
dred  and  Eighth  Ohio,  both  of  which  regiments  could 
muster  only  about  600  men  for  duty.  One  company 
had  not  yet  been  provided  with  arms.  They  were  also 
in  an  insubordinate  condition.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Eighth  was  armed  with  the  Austrian  rifle,  worthless 
and  condemned,  the  locks  requiring  to  be  snapped  sev 
eral  times  before  the  load  could  be  discharged.  Colonel 
Limberg,  the  commander,  had  been  along  with  us 
under  arrest  since  leaving  Frankfort,  and  Captain 
Carlo  Piepho  now  commanded.  Dissensions  among 
the  officers  in  these  regiments,  utterly  demoralizing  to 
discipline,  prevailed.  The  cavalry  and  artillery,  com 
posed  of  a  small  but  efficient  body  of  men,  were  well 
officered. 

The  week  ending  December  6th  passed  quietly.  The 
weather  had  been  unusually  cold  and  there  was  a  light 
snow  on  the  ground.  Rumors,  which  were  usually 
abundant  in  camp,  and  a  part  of  the  pastime  of  the 
soldier's  life,  had  been  scarce  of  late.  But  it  was  the 
calm  that  precedes  the  storm.  It  is  probably  true  that 
at  Brigade  headquarters  information  and  reports  were 
daily  received,  which,  if  known  to  the  rank  and  file, 
would  have  caused  anxiety.  Among  the  older  heads 
and  veterans  of  experience  there  were  no  doubt  appre 
hensions  as  to  the  safety  of  the  Brigade  and  the  result, 
should  it  be  attacked.  The  fact  that  Colonel  Moore 
had  never  been  in  action  and  was  an  untried  quantity 
did  not  lessen  any  of  these  apprehensions.  But  such 
were  carefully  guarded. 

Lieutenant  Prescott  was  informed  by  a  negro  three 
or  four  days  previous  to  the  battle  that  the  rebels  pro 
posed  to  attack  and  reported  it  to  Colonel  Moore,  say 
ing  he  believed  it  reliable,  as  also  the  indications 
among  the  old  men  at  the  village  where  he  was  on 
duty,  seemed  to  confirm  it.  There  were  besides  other 


60  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

suspicious  circumstances,  but  none  of  the  warnings 
appeared  to  be  regarded. 

While  thus  lying  in  fancied  security  engaged  in  th* 
numerous  duties  called  for  day  by  day,  that  daring 
cavalryman  and  raider,  General  John  Morgan,  was, 
in  conjunction  with  General  Bragg,  preparing  his  plan 
for  the  destruction  or  capture  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Bri 
gade.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  week  Lieutenant 
William  Strawn,  A.  C.  S,,  had  been  sent  to  Gallatin 
with  a  large  detail  to  guard  the  supply  train  for  our 
post.  On  the  Gth  Captain  W.  H.  Collins,  of  Company 
D,  had  gone  with  a  part  of  his  own  men  and  other 
details  io  the  wame  place. 

Saturday  night  came  and  an  unusual  quietness, 
induced  by  tlie  severe  cold  weather,  prevailed  in  the 
camp  and  around  the  fires  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade. 
The  writer  and  Lieutenant  Dewey,  of  Company  E,  were 
at  a  late  hour  in  their  tent  engaged  in  reading  and 
writing  letters,  when,  as  if  prophetically,  Dewey 
remarked,  "You  had  better  burn  those  or  the  Johnnies 
will  get  them."  This  was  said  jokingly,  but  has  never 
been  forgotten.  Little  did  we  or  any  one  dream  on 
that  peaceful  Saturday  night  that  ere  the  morning  sun 
of  the  approaching  Sabbath  should  light  up  the  hill 
tops  of  the  f  imiberlaii'l  the  i>>i-t'>n-:ioiis  "long  roll" 
would  call  us  hastily,  as  from  an  awful  nightmare,  to 
participate  in  a  scene  of  blood,  carnage  and  death,  in 
which  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  after  suffering 
a  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  greater  than  ever  after 
ward  experienced  in  any  one  battle,  and  covering 
itself  with  glory,  was  to  be  defeated  and  captured,  but 
not  disgraced. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


The    Battle    of    Hartsville,    Tennessee,    and   Capture    of   the   One 
Hundred  and  Fourth. 


In  the  early  dawn  of  Sunday,  December  7th,  1862, 
at  half  past  six — before  sunrise — and  while  many  of 
the  men  in  the  camps  of  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  were 
still  asleep,  the  cry  was  raised,  "Fall  in,  men,  the  rebels 
are  coming."  Some  quick-eared  soldier  had  heard  the 
ominous  report  of  guns  on  the  picket  line,  and  has 
tened  to  give  the  alarm.  The  first  shot  Avas  said  to 
have  been  fired  by  Joseph  T.  Oder,  of  Company  H, 
who,  though  a  stripling  of  seventeen,  did  not  lose  his 
head  or  fail  to  do  his  duty,  but  was  captured  before 
he  could  escape.  However,  there  are  other  claimants 
for  the  honor.  Simultaneously  the  long  roll  was 
beaten  with  unusual  vigor.  The  men  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth,  hastily  seizing  their  overcoats,  guns 
and  equipments,  fell  in  on  the  company  parade  grounds, 
and  were  marched  from  thence  to  the  regimental  color- 
line,  where  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  took  com 
mand  and  double-quicked  the  Regiment  to  a, position 
on  a  low  ridge  a  quarter  of  a  mile  northwest  of  the 
camp.  The  timber  on  both  sides  had  been  mostly  cut 
down,  and  the  ground  was  rocky  and  broken.  .  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  formed  in  line  of  battle 
along  the  crest  of  the  ridge,  and,  looking  across  the 
valley,  could  see  the  enemy  wheeling  into  line  at  the 
distance  of  one-fourth  of  a  mile.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Sixth  and  One  Hundred  and  Eighth  Ohio,  coming 
up,  were  placed  by  Adjutant-General  Gholson  on  the 
right  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  The  section 
of  twelve  pounders  of  Nicklin's  Battery,  commanded 
by  Lieutenant  Green,  was  placed  in  position  on  the 
crest,  where  it  was  amply  supported  by  the  infantry. 


€2  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Meantime  the  enemy  had  begun  to  advance  rapidly, 
and  Company  K  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  Com 
pany  G,  Second  Indiana,  commanded  by  Captain 
Palmer  and  Lieutenant  Parsley  respectively,  deployed 
to  the  left  flank  to  cover  the  ground  between  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  and  the  river.  The  rest  of  the 
Second  Indiana,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Stewart, 
and  the  half  company  of  the  Eleventh  Kentucky,  Cap 
tain  Slater,  were  ordered  to  cover  and  protect  the  right 
flank,  which  was  capable  of  being  easily  turned.  The 
left  was  guarded  and  made  difficult  to  attack  by  a  deep 
ravine  running  to  the  river.  To  more  effectually  pro 
tect  the  right  and  rear  Captain  Ludington  was  sent 
with  Company  H  to  operate  in  that  quarter. 

Captain  Leighton,  w^ho  was  on  detached  duty  with 
Company  A  in  Hartsville,  was  left  to  fight  it  out  on 
his  own  account. 

The  total  forces  under  Colonel  Moore,  thus  disposed 
and  awaiting  the  attack,  did  not  exceed  1,200  men  of 
all  arms.  In  his  "official  report"  Colonel  Moore  says: 
"My  forces  consisted  of  about  450  men  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois,  250  effective  men  each 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hundred  and 
Eighth  Ohio,  280  men  of  the  Second  Indiana  and  Elev 
enth  Kentucky  Cavalry,  and  a  section  of  artillery." 
(Vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol.  XX.)  The  waiter  is  satisfied  from 
comparisons  of  all  that  has  been  published,  from  con 
versations  with  participants,  and  from  personal  knowl 
edge,  and  his  notes  made  at  the  time,  that  1,200  is  a 
liberal  figure.  The  enemy  who  confronted  this  small 
force  of  raw  volunteers,  was,  as  conjectured,  the 
redoubtable  General  John  H.  Morgan  with  his  famous 
cavalry  under  Colonel  Basil  Duke  and  other  troops 
detached  for  this  special  occasion.  In  addition  to  six 
regiments  of  cavalry,  part  of  which  he  dismounted  and 
fought  as  infantry,  he  had  the  famous  Second  and 
Ninth  Kentucky  Infantry  of  Hanson's  Brigade.  These 
troops  had  fought  at  Donelson  and  Shiloh  and  were 
veterans.  His  artillery  of  twelve  pieces  was  composed 
of  Cobb's  battery  of  twelve  pounders,  some  rifled  Ells- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 


G3 


worth  guns  and  howitzers.  Vide  Morgan's  Report.  On 
the  march  his  forces  had  been  further  increased  by 
all  of  the  guerrilla  bands  and  citizens  in  the  country, 
making  his  total  not  less  than  4,000  men. 

General  Morgan,  in  pursuance  of  his  cunning  and 
carefully  devised  plan,  had  left  Baird's  Mills,  twenty- 
five  miles  from  Hartsville,  on  Saturday,  and,  march 
ing  all  day,  reached  the  Cumberland  near  the  Federal 
lines  that  evening.  He  occupied  the  rest  of  the  night 
in  crossing  the  infantry  on  an  old  boat,  while  Colonel 
Duke,  with  the  regular  cavalry,  passed  by  a  ford  lower 
down.  Another  force  was  sent  with  artillery  to  take  a 
position  on  the  south  bank  of  the  river— opposite  our 
camp  and  covering  it— the  ford  and  Hartsville.  Still 
another  detachment,  1,000  strong,  wras  ordered  to  dash 
into  the  village,  capture  or  destroy  the  forces  there  and 
attack  our  rear.  All  of  these  movements  were  being 
promptly  executed  before  and  by  the  time  that  Morgan 
was  advancing  with  his  main  army  against  our  lines. 
Our  vedettes  had  been  deceived  by  Morgan's  advance, 
who  were  dressed  in  the  Federal  uniform,  and  were 
captured  without  a  shot. 

The  battle  opened  about  7  a.  m.  by  a  desultory  firing 
on  the  skirmish  line.  Companies  K  and  G  were  soon 
obliged  to  fall  back  before  the  enemy's  rapid  advance, 
which  they  did  in  good  order.  Meantime  the  artillery 
opened  and  was  at  once  replied  to  by  a  furious  cannon 
ade  from  the  rebel  batteries,  which  made  a  great  noise, 
but  did  little  damage,  as  they  fired  too  high.  When 
Morgan's  advance  came  within  musket  range  the  firing 
became  general  and  continuous  on  both  sides  for  some 
time.  Morgan  'still  advanced,  but  slower  and  there 
appeared  to  be  some  confusion  and  a  perceptible  waver 
ing  in  his  line  caused  by  the  steady  and  destructive 
fire  of  our  men  and  that  of  the  well-served  artillery, 
which  had  already  disabled  two  caissons  of  the^rebel 
battery.  At  this  point,  and  when  Colonel  Moore  gave 
the  order  to  charge,  Lieutenant  Green  came  up  in  haste 
and  complained  that  one  of  his  guns  was  without  sup- 


64  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

port.  Looking  around  it  was  seen  that  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Sixth  had  fled.  On  the  near  approach  of  the 
enemy  they  had  fired  one  volley  and  ran.  The  other 
two  regiments,  however,  stood  firm  and  fired  rapidly, 
in  which  they  were  sustained  by  the  artillery  and  cav 
alry.  But  Morgan  soon  obliqued  a  part  of  his  over 
whelming  forces  so  as  to  turn  our  right  flank.  Then 
the  One  Hundred  and  Eighth  became  demoralized  and 
left  the  field.  The  action  had  now  lasted  one  hour,  and 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  still  stood  firm  as  a  rock. 
Many  had  been  killed,  including  Adjutant-General 
Gholson,  a  brave  and  promising  officer. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  now  supporting  both 
pieces  of  artillery,  and  encouraged  by  Colonel  Hape- 
man,  Major  Widmer,  and  all  of  their  officers,  continued 
the  unequal  contest  twenty  minutes  longer — and  until 
the  rebels  poured  in  on  our  flank  and  were  within 
fifteen  paces  in  front,  so  near,  in  fact,  that  we  saw 
the  whites  of  their  eyes.  Then  it  was  that  Colonel 
Moore,  w^ho  had  ridden  the  lines  all  through  with 
unflinching  bravery,  gave  the  order  to  retreat  to  the 
hills  on  the  river.  One  of  the  twelve  pounders  was 
taken  to  the  new  position  in  safety ;  the  horses  attached 
to  the  other  having  been  killed,  Captain  Howe,  of  Com 
pany  B,  with  some  of  his  men  tried  to  remove  it  by 
hand,  but  the  rebels,  observing  this,  fired  a  volley  of 
bullets  at  them.  Fortunately  a  pair  of  horses  was  near 
and  the  gun  removed.  The  Regiment  fell  back  in  some 
confusion,  but  many  turned  to  fire  another  shot  as  they 
sullenly  retreated.  In  the  new  position  some  further 
firing  was  done  as  the  enemy  rapidly  advanced  on  our 
front  and  flanks.  But  the  firing  had  then  become  desul 
tory  and  produced  no  effect.  Colonel  Moore  thereupon 
surrendered  what  was  left,  and  the  battle  was  virtu 
ally  over.  The  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hun 
dred  and  Eighth  had  long  before  been  taken  in. 

Captain  Leighton,  with  Company  A,  after  a  spirited 
resistance  in  Hartsville  against  a  regiment  of  cavalry 
and  two  companies  of  mounted  infantry,  in  which  his 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

command  killed  five  and  wounded  eight,  with  a  loss  to 
himself  of  one  killed,  one  mortally  wounded,  and  three 
wounded,  was  obliged  to  surrender. 

Company  H,  Captain  Ludington,  which  had  been 
sent  to  the  right,  maintained  an  unequal  fight  against 
superior  numbers  until  after  the  main  body  had  sur 
rendered,  and  was  the  last  to  yield.  So  stubborn  and 
astounded  was  Captain  Ludington  that  the  rebel  offi 
cers  in  admiration  told  him  to  keep  his  sword,  which 
treachery  afterward  obliged  him  to  give  up. 

Meantime  the  rebel  cavalry  were  occupied  in  gath 
ering  in  the  stragglers,  pillaging  the  camps  and  collect 
ing  the  spoils.  They  had  just  cause  to  be  elated  with 
their  victory,  but  had  paid  for  it  dearly  in  killed  and 
wounded,  losing  about  two-  hundred  men.  General 
Morgan  said  to  one  of  our  officers  that  he  never  saw 
men  fight  better  than  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth, 
and  that  if  the  other  regiments  had  done  as  well  he 
should  have  had  to  withdraw.  The  sudden  retreat  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  the  One  Hundred  and 
Eighth  gave  his  wavering  line  new  courage. 

The  battle  was  over.  The  Starry  Banner  had  gone 
down  in  defeat,  but  not  dishonor.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  crushed  and  humiliated,  were  prisoners  of 
war.  Deep  as  was  the  sting  of  this  disaster,  touching 
to  the  very  quick  every  man  in  the  Kegiment,  yet  each 
was  conscious  of  having  done  his  duty,  and  could  point 
with  mournful  pride  to  the  long  list  of  killed  and 
wounded  as  evidence  of  the  stubborn  conflict. 

The  defeat  at  Hartsville  was  the  inevitable  conse 
quence  of  the  conditions  existing,  some  of  which  have 
been  pointed  out.  Colonel  Moore,  as  commander  of  the 
Brigade  and  of  an  important  post,  had  to  shoulder 
the  blame  and  endure  the  odium  of  failure.  It  was 
his  misfortune  to  hold  a  command  for  which  he  was 
unfitted  by  reason  of  inexperience,  the  want  of  confi 
dence  on  the  part  of  many  of  his  officers,  and  the 
absence  of  those  military  instincts  which  soldiers 
recognize  and  trust  in.  From  the  first  honors  which 
many  a  worthy  and  scarred  veteran  would  prize  had 


66  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

been  thrust  upon  him,  and  with  no  storms  to  perplex, 
no  wily  enemy  to  encounter  or  fighting  to  be  done 
requiring  either  the  natural  or  learned  military  skill 
of  a  leader,  he  had  worn  them  easily.  In  the  day  of 
trial  and  grave  responsibility  while  exhibiting  per 
sonal  bravery,  he  failed  because  he  did  not  possess  the 
qualities  named,  w^hich,  had  they  existed,  would  not 
only  have  prevented  the  enemy  from  taking  us  by  sur 
prise,  but  would  have  enabled  him  to  have  maneuvered 
his  forces  so  as  to  have  baffled  and  delayed  Morgan 
until  Harlan's  brigade  arrived,  as  it  did  two  hours 
after  the  surrender.  However,  Hartsville  was  to  be 
Colonel  Moore's  Thermopylae  as  a  military  leader. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  can  be  said  in  extenuation 
that  he  did  not  seek  the  command.  Colonel  Scott,  hav 
ing  been  unexpectedly  ordered  to  Nashville,  simply 
turned  it  over  to  him  on  December  2d.  Neither  did  he 
receive  any  orders  or  suggestions  from  his  superior 
officers  in  the  brief  period  before  the  battle.  Ninety- 
nine  men  in  the  hundred  would  have  done  as  he  did, 
and  most  likely  would  have  met  w^ith  the  same  result. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  lost  51  killed  or  mor 
tally  wounded,  and  had  105  wounded;  total,  156.  The 
following  list  of  143  names  is  only  partial,  but  all  that 
is  attainable: 

FIELD  AND  STAFF. 

Wounded — Adjutant  R.  C.  Stevens,  severely 
through  the  thigh. 

COMPANY  A. 

Killed — Sumner  N.  Burnham. 

MortaUy  wounded — Jonathan  Lewis. 

Wounded — Patrick  O'Donnell,  William  Buckley,  L. 
Potter. 

COMPANY    B. 

Killed — Sergeant  Cromwell  Woodward,  Sergeant 
Joseph  D.  Porter,  George  Steidenger,  Howard  B.  White. 

Mortally  wounded — Lieutenant  Moses  M.  Randolph, 
Samuel  P.  Clark,  John  C.  Vail,  John  Reader,  Lucien 
Stanford. 

Wounded — Gardner  L.  Chase,  in  the  foot;  Charles 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  67 

A.  Bradish,  in  hand;  James  McNally,  in  head;  Fabius 
E.  Phelps  ;  H.  O.  Graves  ;  James  Garrison,  in  wrist  ; 
Newton  M.  Shelton,  leg  amputated;  Samuel  W.  War- 
nock,  in  shoulder  ;  D.  J.  Stanford,  in  ankle  ;  Sergeant 
H.  L.  McKinney,  slight;  T.  Woolley,  slight 
COMPANY  C. 

Killed — David  Berkstresser,  Thomas  Hastings, 
James  H.  Wilson. 

Mortally  wounded — Peter  J.  Sauressig,  William 
Van  Law,  Clarence  Brennan,  Frederick  Foot,  Francis 
Zarr. 

Wounded — Captain  Samuel  M.  Heslet,  in  both 
thighs;  Lieutenant  Daniel  C.  Rynearson,  in  leg;  Ser 
geant  Charles  K.  Brown,  in  side;  James  A.  Kersey, 
severely;  L.  W.  Winslow,  in  hand;  John  W.  Bullis,  both 
•eyes  shot  out;  John  A.  Livers,  arm  amputated;  Charles 
H.  Jewett  ;  Oscar  Sayles,  severely  ;  Robert  C.  Doane  ; 
Hiram  Beck,  in  arm;  Samuel  Banks,  slight. 

COMPANY  D  (only  one-half  present). 

Killed — Abrani  H.  Austin,  Jos.  L.  Sapp,  Corporal 
Thos.  G.  Steven. 

Wounded — Henry  B.  Anderson,  slightly;  Robert  S. 
Brent,  slightly;  John  F.  Bute,  seriously  in  three  places; 
John  W.  Carmony,  seriously,  hit  five  times,  breaking 
shoulder  and  three  ribs;  Lifee  H.  Powers,  in  head;  Rich 
ard  J.  Gage,  seriously  in  leg;  Henry  E.  Price,  in  hip; 
John  Peter,  slightly;  Ora  D.  Walbridge,  arm  broken; 
Theodore  P.  Brown,  seriously. 

COMPANY   E. 

Killed — Corporal  Thos.  Weeks,  Corporal  John  D. 
King,  David  V.  Diehl,  Edward  J.  Curtis,  Orville  L. 
Moorhead,  Roderick  D.  Reed. 

Mortally  wounded — Lieutenant  Milton  Strawn, 
George  Hemenover,  Samuel  N.  Merriam,  Felix  McCul- 
lough. 

Wounded — Sergeant  Homer  A.  Wilson,  in  arm; 
David  A.  Wisher,  in  hand;  Sergeant  George  W.  Cum 
mins,  in  head;  Corporal  William  J.  Anderson,  in  arm; 
Corporal  Lyman  Nattinger,  in  neck;  Benjamin  Phillips, 
in  face;  Alfred  Roberts,  in  thigh,  seriously;  James  A. 


68  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Sherman,  arm  broken;  Charles  H.  Brown,  in  neck; 
James  G.  Seward;  William  J.  Daily ;  C.W.  Wilson;  Jos. 
W.  Conard. 

COMPANY   F. 

Killed — Rees  Brock,  John  McDougall,  William 
Woodbury,  Corporal  James  Spencer,  Jr. 

W'ounded — Captain  James  J.  McKernan,  in  arm, 
wrist  and  cheek;  Henry  Ackerman,  severely;  liemuel 
B.  Laugklin,  slightly;  Thomas  Ryerson,  in  hip;  S.  M. 
Zeluff,  slightly;  Thomas  Thompson,  in  shoulder;  Sam 
uel  N.  Trenary,  slightly;  Samuel  Green;  Austin  V. 
Mitchell;  Lieutenant  John  C.  Linsley;  Ezekiel  Brown; 
Benjamin  Jones,  A.  W.  Buckner. 

COMPANY  G. 

Killed — Sergeant  Myron  Newton,  Hugh  A.  Dum- 
mett,  Benjamin  S.  Fullerton,  Osman  Larson,  Anthony 
Oberst,  John  Palmer. 

Mortally  wounded — Jacob  Nelson,  John  Thomas. 
Wounded — W'esley  Misner,  in  thigh,  severely;  Sam 
uel  B.  Porter,  arm  broken  ;  Tunis  S.  Serrine,  in  arm; 
John  Bailey,  in  thigh,  severely;  James  C.  Deegan;  E. 
S.  Billiard,  slight;  Sergeant  C.  B.  Cook,  slight. 

COMPANY   H. 

Mortally  wounded — Henry  Willavise,  J.  M.  Porter, 
A.  A.  Myers. 

Wounded — Levi  Nelson,  slightly;  Xavier  Wolf,  in 
hip,  seriously. 

COMPANY   I. 

Mortally  wounded — Harvey  W.  Traver,  Nicholas 
Ellenbocker. 

Wounded — Corporal  Elbridge  Chapman,  in  side; 
Bartholo  W.  Andrews;  Frank  W.  Burns,  in  throat,  seri 
ously;  Jacob  Bane,  in  hand;  N.  H.  Mull  in,  in  leg; 
Andrew  Ponts,  in  thigh;  Mark  Purviance,  in  leg,  seri 
ously;  Artemas  C.  Quinn,  in  breast;  Johnson  Traver, 
in  hand;  Cornelius  Snyder;  James  J.  Traver,  in  face, 
severely;  Bruce  Winans,  slightly;  William  E.  Frink, 
slightly. 

COMPANY  K. 

Mortally  wounded — Joseph  P.  Arnold,  died  Decem 
ber  8th;  Charles  N.  Brown. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

Wounded— Henry  Pust,  leg  amputated;  Robert 
Bell,  severely;  Andrew  A.  Hart,  seriously;  Chas.  F. 
Peterson,  severely;  Thomas  Mulkay,  severely;  Adolph 
Splitstosser,  slightly. 

The  rest  of  the  Brigade  lost  in  .killed  and  wounded, 
as  per  the  Official  Reports,  105,  Vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol. 
XX.  But  the  foregoing  does  not  include  a  number 
of  missing,  who  were  probably  killed,  buried,  and  never 
reported,  except  as  unknown. 

A  day  or  two  after  the  battle  the  citizens  of  Ottawa 
sent  a  committee  of  three,  Rev.  Z.  Coleman,  Dr.  C. 
Hard  and  J.  W.  Calkins,  to  Hartsville  with  sanitary 
supplies  for  the  wounded,  and  while  there  they  buried 
a  number  that  they  found  dead  in  the  woods,  rein- 
terred  all  of  the  dead  who  were  half  buried,  and,  when 
the  soldiers  could  be  identified,  marked  their  graves. 
They  marked  some  as  unknown,  as  appears  from  the 
"list"  in  the  possession  of  the  writer. 

Through  the  influence  of  Surgeon  Dyer  and  this 
committee  many  of  the  wounded  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  were  sent  to  Ottawa  as  fast  as  their  con 
dition  permitted  removal.  The  committee  performed 
an  immense  labor,  being  in  Hartsville  part  of  the  time 
under  a  flag  of  truce,  the  rebels  having  possession.  That 
their  services  were  appreciated  the  following  published 
letter  shows : 

Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Dec.  22d,  1862. 
To  the  Friends  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth : 

In  behalf  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois  Volunteers,  now  at  Gal 
latin  and  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  we,  the  undersigned,  return 
our  sincere  and  most  heartfelt  thanks  to  the  good  peo 
ple  of  Ottawa  for  their  sympathy  as  expressed  by  the 
substantial  aid  sent  to  our  noble  suffering  wounded  by 
the  hands  of  Dr.  Hard,  Rev.  Z.  Coleman  and  J.  W. 
Calkins.  We  also  feel  under  lasting  obligations  to  the 
above  named  gentlemen  for  the  manner  in  which  they 
have  executed  the  trust  confided  to  their  hands  in  min 
istering  personally  to  the  wants  of  the  living  and  assist 
ing  faithfully  with  Christian  sympathy  in  burying  our 


70  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

dead  out  of  our  sight.  Signed  by  R.  F.  Dyer,  S.  M.  Hes- 
let,  R,  C.  Stevens,  D.  C.  Eynearson,  M.  Osman,  William 
E.  Brush,  J.  Misner,  Jos.  P.  Fitzsimmons,  William  H. 
Collins,  Jas.  Snedeker,  John  S.  H.  Doty. 

INCIDENTS  OF  THE  BATTLE. 

While  it  has  been  universally  admitted  that  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  did  all  that  men  could  do 
at  Hartsville  to  win  victory  or  stem  the  tide  of  defeat, 
some  personal  acts  and  words  cannot  well  be  omitted. 

Said  Colonel  Limberg,  a  witness:  "The  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  fought  like  bulls." 

Lieutenant  Green  remarked:  "A  braver  man  than 
Colonel  Moore  never  went  into  action  and  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  covered  itself  with  glory." 

Lemuel  B.  Laughlin,  of  Company  F,  six  feet  or  more 
in  height,  when  the  Regiment  was  ordered  to  lie  down, 
while  loading,  did  so  but  once;  taking  his  stand,  he 
deliberately  loaded,  and,  bringing  his  musket  to  a 
ready,  picked  his  man  and  fired — no  doubt  some  one 
dropped,  he  escaped  with  a  wound. 

General  Thomas  says  in  regard  to  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  at  Hartsville.  The  letter  was  pub 
lished  in  "Patriotism  in  Illinois:" 

Louisville,  Ky.,  Jan.  10,  1867. 
Colonel  A.  B.  Moore,  Ottawa,  111.: 

Colonel: — I  received  your  letter  of  the  3d  inst,  and 
after  careful  examination  of  the  official  reports  of  other 
officers  who  participated  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
Tenn.,  I  am  enabled  to  state  that  all  concur  in  testifying 
to  your  personal  bravery,  as  well  as  to  the  gallantry 
of  your  own  regiment — the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
Illinois.  Colonel  John  Harlan,  Tenth  Kentucky,  who  ar 
rived  with  his  own  and  the  Tenth  Indiana  regiments 
very  soon  after  the  enemy  had  recrossed  the  Cumber 
land  River,  mentions  in  his  report  that  a  large  major 
ity  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  your  command  be 
longed  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois,  which 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  71 

is  conclusive  evidence  of  the  steadiness  and  bravery  of 
your  own  regiment  and  of  yourself  personally.  I  am, 
Colonel,  very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

GE(i   H.   THOMAS, 

Major  General  U.  S.A. 

WHO  FIRED  THE  FIRST  SHOT  AT  HARTSVILLE? 

Joseph  W.  Conard  of  Company  E,  says  in  regard  to 
this  event:  On  the  morning  of  Dec.  7, 1862,  Lieutenant 
Milton  Strawn  was  in  charge  of  the  reserve  picket  post, 
located  three  posts  from  the  Cumberland  river,  my 
brother  William  was  on  guard  at  the  reserve  post.  I 
was  on  guard  at  the  next  post  east — upon  a  rise  of 
ground.  At  break  of  day,  I  saw  the  rebels  on  the  brow 
of  quite  an  elevation  about  opposite  our  last  picket  post, 
but  I  hardly  thought  they  were  the  enemy,  knowing  that 
there  were  three  pickets  between  the  reserve  and  the 
river  and  supposed  that  if  they  were  the  enemy,  those 
pickets  would  give  the  alarm,  but  they  did  not,  and  after 
hesitating  a  few  moments,  I  discharged  my  gun  and 
rallied  on  the  reserve.  We  afterward  learned  that  the 
rebels  captured^  the  first  (last)  and  second  posts  without 
their  firing  a  shot. 

NOTE  ABOUT  HARTSVILLE. 

By  Lieutenant  A.  V.  Mitchell,  Company  F. 

On  Sunday  morning,  Dec.  7,  1862,  I,  being  then  Or 
derly  Sergeant  of  Company  F,  had  arisen  early  as  we 
were  to  have  general  inspection  at  10  o'clock  and  there 
was  much  police  duty  to  be  done  around  the  camp.  I 
had  just  dismissed  the  men  from  roll-call  when  I  dis 
covered  the  rebels  coming  down  the  stony  point  of  the 
big  hill  and  at  once  called  Major  Widmer's  attention  to 
it,  when  the  alarm  was  given  and  the  regiment  thrown 
into  line  of  battle  and  we  marched  out  where  the  fight 
ing  was  done.  We  were  taken  in  out  of  the  wet  and 
John  Morgan  performed  the  inspection  duties  that 
morning. 

Surgeon  Dyer  relates  that  while  attending  to  the 


72  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

wounded  on  the  field,  he  came  to  a  German  soldier  and 
his  son,  members  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  Ohio. 
Both  were  wounded  and  said  that  seeing  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  fighting  alone,  they  thought  they 
would  come  over  and  help.  All  honor  to  them. 

Kobert  S.  Brent,  of  Company  D,  says :  I  saw  one  of 
the  shells  from  our  battery  explode  in  a  rebel  ammuni 
tion  wagon  and  the  rebels  thereupon  ran  like  sheep. 
At  that  time  we  were  ordered  to  fix  bayonets  and 
charge,  but  the  order  was  countermanded,  which  was 
perhaps  a  mistake.  When  the  rebels  were  forming  to 
attack  us  Henry  E.  Price  said  to  me,  I  being  in  the  front 
ranks :  "Bob,  let  me  change  places  with  you,  I  want  the 
first  chance  at  them."  I  remember  distinctly  one  rebel 
stepping  out  from  behind  a  tree  and  firing  directly  at 
us — so  it  seemed.  I  felt  the  wind  of  the  bullet  on"  my 
left  cheek  and  Price  on  his  right.  We  both  fired  at  him, 
but  the  smoke  prevented  our  seeing  the  effect.  Henry 
said  to  me:  "  That  was  pretty  close,  Bob."  The  rebels 
were  then  some  twelve  rods  from  us.  I  was  wounded 
soon  after,  and  R.  J.  Gage  carried  me  on  his  back  ten 
rods,  when  I  thought  I  could  walk,  and  he  put  me  down, 
.and  going  back  to  the  line  was  wounded  himself  a  few 
moments  after.  I  walked  a  short  distance,  when  I 
fainted  and  fell  in  the  snow  from  loss  of  blood.  On 
coming  to  I  noticed  a  perfect  storm  of  bullets  flying  over 
my  head  and  striking  the  weeds  around  me.  The  Regi 
ment  falling  back,  I  was  picked  up  by  John  J.  Ford,  of 
Company  D,  and  carried  by  him  and  put  in  a  Com 
pany  K  tent,  when  he  covered  me  with  a  blanket.  A 
member  of  Company  K  died  that  night  by  my  side, 
having  had  his  leg  broken  and  amputated.  I  can  never 
forget  Patrick  O'Donnell,  of  Company  A,  who  was 
wounded  in  the  mouth  with  a  pistol  ball  at  close  range. 
When  we  were  removed  from  Hartsville  on  the  follow 
ing  Wednesday  he  was  the  only  one  of  us  that  could 
walk,  and  when  we  had  gone  part  way  to  Gal- 
latin  we  stopped  for  the  night  in  some  negro  huts 
on  a  plantation.  The  old  rebel  owner  told  his 
negroes  not  to  give  us  any  wood  for  fires.  But 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  73 

Pat  had  a  revolver  and  went  out  and  stood  guard  over 
the  negroes  and  made  them  chop  wood  for  us.  He  also 
ordered  the  colored  woman  to  make  some  chicken  broth, 
and  we  had  an  opinion  that  it  was  the  best  chicken 
broth  we  had  ever  tasted.  Pat  afterward  had  the  rheu 
matism  very  bad  and  went  home  for  a  time.  After 
ward  he  lost  an  arm  in  battle.  His  one  fault  could  not 
take  one  wreath  from  his  brow. 

A  braver  man  than  John  McCullough,  of  Company 
E,  was  seldom  seen.  We  had  retreated  to  the  river  and 
the  rebels  were  among  us,  one  of  them  raised  his  gun  to 
shoot  a  soldier,  and,  though  almost  surrounded,  John 
covered  him,  at  the  same  instant  telling  him  with  an 
oath  to  stop.  He  did.  To  fire  would  have  been  death 
to  both.  The  writer  saw  this  occur.  The  brave  McCul 
lough  fell  at  Peach  Tree  Creek. 

Henry  E.  Price  of  Company  D,  badly  wounded  in  the 
thigh,  said,  "It  would  be  all  right  if  I  could  only  be  sure 
that  I  had  hit  some  of  them." 

Captain  Doty,  immediately  after  surrendering,  man 
aged  in  the  confusion  to  slip  away,  and,  going  among 
the  wounded,  many  of  whom  had  crawled  back  to  camp, 
began  taking  care  of  them.  He  succeeded  in  deceiving 
the  rebels  until  Harlan  arrived,  and  also  saved  the  com 
pany  books  and  papers. 

There  was  no  extra  charge  for  reserved  seats  in  the 
front  row  during  the  battle.  One  man,  and,  it  is  be 
lieved,  the  only  one  in  the  regiment,  who  was  about  to 
take  one  further  back  where  he  could  see  just  as  well, 
was  convinced  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hapeman  of  the 
superior  advantages  of  the  parquet  in  this  show. 

A  noticeable  feature  on  many  faces  was  the  powder 
stains  on  the  mouth,  caused  by  biting  off  the  cartridges, 
instead  of,  when  not  in  a  hurry,  tearing  off  the  ends  with 
the  fingers. 

The  Brigade  being  prisoners  and  disarmed,  were 
hurried  under  guard  of  the  victorious  enemy  to  the  ford 
over  the  Cumberland.  The  water  being  breast  deep,  the 
cavalry  took  two  or  three  men  on  each  horse  and  carried 
them  safely  over.  Occasionally  a  horse  slipped  giving 


74  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

all  a  good  wetting.  This  occupied  two  hours,  and  mean 
time  Morgan's  cavalry  having  gathered  up  the  arms, 
artillery,  ammunition  and  supplies,  on  the  field  and  in 
camp,  and  loaded  our  wagons,  these  were  hurried 
toward  Hart's  Ferry,  as  Morgan  had  reports  of  the  ap 
proach  of  Harlan's  Brigade.  But  to  delay  its  advance, 
he  threw  out  two  regiments  of  cavalry  and  four  pieces 
of  artillery,  the  latter  brought  from  his  reserve  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river.  Vide  Morgan's  Reports,  Reb. 
Rec.  Vol.  XX.  The  object  was  accomplished  and  nearly 
everything  removed  safely  over  the  Cumberland. 

The  weary  march  toward  the  rebel  lines  was  then 
begun,  but  before  we  had  lost  sight  of  Hartsville  the 
thunder  of  cannon  across  the  river  announced  to  us  the 
arrival  of  Harlan  and  Miller,  but,  alas!  too  late!  Be 
yond  recapturing  a  few  wagons  at  the  ford  and  firing 
a  few  shots  across  at  the  rebel  reserve  or  rear  guard, 
they  could  do  nothing  for  us.  However,  they  saved 
much  property,  which  Morgan's  men  had  overlooked  or 
could  not  remove,  and  also  relieved  and  saved  from 
capture  a  number  of  our  men  and  some  officers  w^ho  had 
hidden  away.  The  wounded  and  sick  in  the  hospital 
were  not  molested  by  Morgan.  That  evening  Harlan 
and  Miller's  brigades  returned  to  Castillian  Springs, 
leaving,  of  course,  the  wounded  and  sick  at  Hartsville. 
Vide  Harlan's  Reports,  Reb.  Rec.  Vol.  XX. 

All  day  and  until  10  o'clock  at  night  the  remnants 
of  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade  were  marched  briskly  along. 
No  one  had  eaten  a  bite  since  the  night  before.  The 
rebel  soldiers  had  little  in  their  haversacks — and  that 
little,  corn  pone.  Many  of  them  kindly  shared  it  with 
our  men.  Having  gone  twenty-five  miles  we  were  put 
in  bivouac  for  the  night  in  a  cedar  brake.  Even  here 
wood  was  hard  to  get  for  fires,  as  we  had  no  axes  to  cut 
it.  The  weather  being  very  cold  and  several  inches  of 
snow  on  the  ground,  there  was  much  suffering.  No 
food  was  given  us.  We  realized  what  it  meant  to  be 
prisoners  of  war.  With  several  rebel  regiments  on 
guard  about  the  camp  the  lo*ig  night  finally  ended. 

The  march  was  resumed  on  Monday,  the  8th,  without 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  75 

food,  and  after  marching  fifteen  miles  we  reached  Mor 
gan's  headquarters,  six  miles  from  Murfreesboro,  in  the 
afternoon,  nearly  famished.  The  bivouac  was  again 
made  in  a  grove,  wood  and  water  were  brought,  and  at 
dark  a  half  ration  of  flour  and  fresh  beef  was  issued, 
but  no  salt  for  our  meat.  However,  having  been  sixty 
hours  with  scarcely  a  mouthful  to  eat,  anything  that 
would  satisfy  the  gnawings  of  hunger  was  welcome, 
and,  after  the  most  primitive  preparation  eaten.  The 
night  was  passed  a  little  more  comfortably  than  the 
previous  one.  The  whole  of  the  night  was  spent  in 
speculation  and  gloomy  forebodings  as  to  whether  we 
would  be  paroled  or  sent  to  some  rebel  prison.  During 
the  day  another  ration  of  flour  and  beef  was  issued.  In 
consideration  of  their  good  fortune  our  enemies  treated 
us  very  kindly,  but  allowed  no  unusual  liberties,  having 
an  idea,  no  doubt,  "Yankee"  must  be  a  very  slippery 
fellow  and  liable  to  play  some  Yankee  trick  upon  them. 

The  hearts  of  the  men  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  were  gladdened  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  by 
the  news  that  the  Kegiment  was  to  be  paroled.  A  little 
later  we  left  for  Murfreesboro,  and  when  two  miles  from 
town  all  were  ordered  to  leave  their  overcoats  in  a  pile 
by  the  road.  Morgan  pretended  that  this  was  done  by 
order  of  General  Bragg,  but  no  one  believed  it.  On 
arrival  we  were  put  in  the  court  house  yard,  then  taken 
inside  by  companies,  and  paroled,  each  man  signing  an 
agreement  and  taking  an  oath  not  to  bear  arms  against 
the  Confederate  States  until  regularly  exchanged.  This 
exercise  occupied  most  of  the  afternoon,  during  which 
time  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  were  the  observed 
of  all  observers.  General  Morgan's  name  was  on  all 
lips,  and  he  was  the  hero  of  the  hour  among  the  rebels, 
who  had  no  scruples  about  magnifying  the  importance 
of  the  victory,  the  number  of  killed,  of  prisoners,  etc. 
While  here  the  writer  secured  a  copy  of  the  "Rebel 
Banner,"  and  this  stated  Morgan's  loss  to  be  200. 

Colonel  Hapeman  and  Major  Widmer  were  not 
paroled,  but  sent  to  Atlanta  and  afterward  to  Rich 
mond,  where  they  were  put  in  Libby  Prison  until  April 


76  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

23,  1863,  when  they  were  exchanged.  Colonel  Moore 
was  also  detained  in  the  Confederacy  until  March. 

The  paroling  was  finished  by  night,  and  we  were 
marched  out  one  mile  and  put  in  a  field,  when  another 
half  ration  was  given  us,  making  in  all  one  and  a  half 
rations  of  flour  and  beef  received,  and  on  which  we  had 
lived  four  days.  But  notwithstanding  our  hard  usage 
all  were  in  better  spirits  at  the  prospects  of  a  speedy 
release  from  captivity  and  made  the  best  of  a  cold  night 
by  the  scanty  fires. 

Early  on  the  llth  we  started  under  rebel  escort  for 
the  Union  lines  and  Nashville,  thirty  miles  distant. 
Near  Lavergne,  fifteen  miles  from  Murfreesboro,  the 
outposts  of  the  two  great  armies  confronted  each  other, 
and  the  Federal  commander,  not  having  been  notified 
of  our  approach,  mistook  us  for  an  advance  of  the  rebels, 
and  a  skirmish  followed.  This  caused  a  delay  of  several 
hours  before  the  matter  could  be  arranged  under  a  flag 
of  truce. 

Our  guards  employed  the  interval  in  stripping  our 
men  of  any  remaining  overcoats,  of  their  blankets  and 
anything  else  in  sight  or  that  struck  their  fancy.  But  the 
previous  experience  had  put  a  number  on  their  guard 
who  otherwise  would  have  suffered.  These  acts  after 
our  capture  were,  indeed,  beautiful  examples  of  the 
chivalry  and  civilization  of  the  South.  There  are  ameni 
ties  even  in  war,  which  all  Christian  people,  except 
those  of  the  South,  have  recognized. 

Long  after  dark  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
stepped  within  the  Union  lines,  free  men,  "Except  these 
bonds,"  but  again  under  the  old  flag! 

Continuing  the  march  all  night,  we  did  not  reach 
Nashville  until  daylight,  and  here  met  with  another 
delay  of  two  hours  before  being  finally  quartered  in  the 
Zollicoffer  building.  (Now  the  Maxwell  House.)  This 
was  unfinished,  with  fireplaces  in  every  room.  The  piles 
of  fine  dry  lumber  made  excellent  fires,  and  after  getting 
rations — having  gone  without  food  for  thirty-six  hours, 
the  Regiment  began  to  feel  comfortable,  and  settled 
down  to  await  whatever  disposition  might  be  made  of  it. 


,  CHAPTER  VIII. 


Go  to  Parole  Camp  at  Columbus— Taking  French  Furloughs— De 
serters— Remove  to  Camp  Douglas— Guarding  Rebel  Prisoners 
—Treatment  of  Rebel  Prisoners— Off  for  Nashville— Guarding 
the  Capitol— Go  to  Brentwood— Return  to  Nashville— At  Mur- 
freesboro — In  Beatty's  Brigade — Prepare  to  Advance — Order 
for  Movement  Issued. 


It  having  been  decided  by  General  Rosecrans  to 
send  the  Regiment  to  the  parole  camp  at  Columbus, 
Ohio,  whilst  awaiting  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  we  left 
Nashville  on  the  13th,  under  the  command  of  Captaiu 
John  Wadleigh,  of  Company  I.  In  passing  through  Gal- 
latin  greetings  were  exchanged  with  a  number  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  who  were  at  the  depot.  We 
arrived  at  Louisville  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  and, 
embarking  on  the  steamer  General  Buell  in  the  evening, 
reached  Cincinnati  the  next  morning.'  It  had  rained  all 
night,  but  this  had  turned  to  snow  and  made  things  very 
dismal. 

The  men  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One 
Hundred  and  Eighth,  who  had  come  along,  were  re 
joiced  to  reach  home  once  more,  where  there  was  plenty 
of  sauer-kraut  and  beer,  and  proceeded  at  once  to  their 
old  haunts.  In  the  evening  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  boarded  the  cars  for  Columbus,  arriving  there 
at  daylight  on  the  16th.  After  standing  around  some 
time,  we  marched  out  to  Camp  Lew  Wallace,  three  miles 
from  the  city.  As  we  had  no  overcoats,  and  it  was  in 
tensely  cold — and  the  snow  was  four  or  five  inches  deep, 
all  suffered.  It  was  soon  learned  that  all  the  tents  and 
barracks  were  full,  however  the  boys  managed  to  find 
quarters  here  and  there,  but  no  doubt  thought  the  much 
warmer  climate  we  had  left  was  preferable,  even  with  a 
little  iron  hail  and  brimstone  thrown  in.  The  only  relief 
afforded  was  the  certainty  of  having  plenty  to  eat, 


78  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 


though  we  had  to  borrow  the  dishes  to  cook  in.  This 
condition  of  things  lasted  three  days,  when  the  com 
mand  was  transferred  to  Camp  Chase,  on  the  other  side 
of  the  city.  Here  we  had  comfortable  barracks  and 
settled  down  to  await  events. 

But,  however,  with  nothing  to  do  and  no  particular 
reason  for  remaining  here,  most  of  the  men  took  French 
leave  and  went  home.  Ultimately  they  all  arrived  in 
safety,  but  those  who  had  no  money  did  a  good  deal  of 
walking.  At  this  time  some  went  who  never  returned 
to  the  Regiment,  but  became  deserters.  The  writer  has 
no  doubt  but  that  their  friends  (?)  persuaded  them  to 
desert.  He  recalls  two  of  these  who  were  absent  many 
months,  one  going  to  Europe,  but,  conscience-stricken, 
they  returned,  and  were  ever  after  faithful  soldiers. 
•One  of  them  was  killed  in  battle  and  the  other  died  of 
disease  at  Savannah  on  the  "March  to  the  Sea." 

While  at  Columbus  the  Regiment  lost,  by  death, 
Felix  McCullough,  of  Company  E,  a  brave  soldier,  badly 
wounded  at  Hartsville,  who  would  not  go  to  the  hospi 
tal,  but  staid  with  the  Company;  also  Langdon  B..  Mor- 
rill,  of  the  same  Company,  another  faithful  fighter. 

The  welcome  news  was  received  on  Jan.  12  that  the 
Regiment  had  been  exchanged  and  ordered  to  Nashville, 
but  there  were  so  few  at  Camp  Chase  that  Captain 
Wadleigh  opened  correspondence  with  a  view  to  having 
the  destination  changed  to  Camp  Douglas,  111.,  where 
the  men  could  be  more  easily  collected.  On  the  15th,  get 
ting  a  positive  order  to  report  at  Nashville,  we  left  that 
evening  about  one  hundred  strong.  Arriving  in  Cin 
cinnati,  Captain  Wadleigh  saw  General  Wright,  com 
manding  this  department,  and  secured  a  change  in  the 
order  by  which  the  Regiment  w^as  sent  to  Camp  Douglas, 
where  it  arrived  the  next  day,  i.  e.,  those  who  did  not  get 
left  or  fall  off  the  cars  near  the  Rock  Island  Junction. 
The  writer,  who  had  stayed  by  the  boys  in  every  emer 
gency  wras  one  of  those  who  fell  off  and  was  absent  a  few 
days. 

Those  who  remained  in  Camp  Douglas  were  put  on 
duty  guarding  the  Rebel  prisoners — 10,000  in  number — 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  79 

who  had  been  captured  at  Arkansas  Post,  Stone's  River 
and  other  points. 

General  Jacob  Ammen  was  then  in  command  of 
Camp  Douglas.  The  Sixty-fifth  Illinois,  Colonel  Cam 
eron,  and  the  Ninth  Vermont  were  also  on  duty  there  at 
this  time. 

The  members  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  began 
to  return,  until  by  the  end  of  February  we  mustered 
over  700  men.  Having  no  field  officers,  Captain  Wad- 
leigh  continued  in  command. 

The  winter  had  been  severe  and  was  particularly 
unpleasant  to  our  prisoners.  About  fifteen  or  twenty 
per  day  took  the  oath  of  allegiance  and  were  sent  home, 
but  some  not  daring  to  go  remained  north. 

About  February  15  those  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  with  the  wounded  who  had 
recovered,  returned  to  us  and  met  with  a  warm  wel 
come. 

The  Regiment  began  to  look  like  its  former  self  but 
did  not  feel  exactly  right  without  its  field  officers  who 
were  still  in  Libby  Prison. 

The  proximity  of  Camp  Douglas  to  the  city,  though 
outside  of  it,  made  our  situation  more  pleasant,  and  all 
had  an  opportunity  to  get  acquainted  with  some  of  the 
mysteries  of  Chicago  and  its  attractions.  Attending  the 
theater  was  a  much  sought  amusement;  getting  a 
square  meal  at  some  favorite  restaurant  wras  seldom 
omitted. 

But  no  one  could  leave  Camp  Douglas  without  a 
pass  and  the  details  were  so  made  that  a  number  could 
obtain  these  each  day,  if  desired.  Tke  writer  came  on 
duty  once  a  week  as  officer  of  the  guard,  he  therefore 
had  much  time  to  himself. 

The  winter  months  passed  rapidly  away  and  by 
March  25  the  Regiment  mustered  770  men.  At  this  time 
Colonel  Moore  having  been  exchanged,  returned,  was 
serenaded,  and  made  a  characteristic  speech.  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Hapeman  and  Major  Widmer  came  back 
later. 

Much  having  been  written  and  said  about  the  treat- 


80  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ment  of  the  Rebel  prisoners  in  Camp  Douglas  in  the 
winter  of  1862-3,  the  writer  desires  to  say  here,  that  men 
were  never  better  treated  than  these.  They  were  pro 
vided  with  as  warm  and  comfortable  quarters  as  our 
selves,  fed  the  same  rations — including  soft  bread,  more 
than  any  man  could  or  did  eat;  had  the  best  medical 
attendance  when  sick;  were  given  clothing  and 
blankets  by  a  generous  government  against  which  they 
had  rebelled;  were  allowed  the  freedom  of  the  camp, 
and  could  trade  at  the  post  sutler's  if  they  had  money; 
but  they  had  no  "Mggers"  to  cut  their  wood,  w^hich  was 
furnished  in  generous  quantities.  Such  was  the  treat 
ment  given  them. 

During  March,  a  cartel  of  exchange  having  been 
arranged,  large  numbers  of  them  were  sent  off 
daily.  It  was  noticeable  that  they  were  in  prime 
condition  and  ready  to  enter  at  once  into  the 
service  of  their  master,  Jefferson  Davis,  and  this  they 
did,  much  to  the  gratification  of  the  rebel  generals,  who 
sorely  needed  them. 

The  following  officers  resigned  after  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  and  previous  to  our  leaving  Camp  Douglas: 
Captain  Palmer,  Company  K,  Feb.  28, 1863 ;  Lieutenant 
James  Snedaker,  CompanyD,  Dec.  31, 1862;  Lieutenant 
Charles  E.  Weber,  Company  I,  Feb.  9, 1863;  Lieutenant 
Samuel  J.  Haney,  Company  G,  March  8,  1863;  Lieuten 
ant  Robert  V.  Simpson,  Company  G,  April  4, 1863 ;  Cap 
tain  Samuel  M.  Heslet,  Company  C,  March  11,  1863. 

As  the  April  days  approached  guarding  prisoners 
became  monotonous  and  the  Regiment  began  to  wish 
for  more  active  service.  The  desired  change  came  soon. 

Orders  were  received  on  the  10th  to  be  ready  to  leave 
on  April  12  for  the  front.  General  Rosecrans  had  been 
notified  that  he  could  have  either  the  Ninth  Vermont 
or  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  He  telegraphed  for 
the  latter,  thus  showing  that  he  had  not  forgotten  the 
fighting  qualities  exhibited  at  Hartsville. 

On  Sunday,  April  12,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
bade  a  glad  farewell  to  Camp  Douglas  and  marching 
to  the  cars  left  at  noon  for  Louisville.  On  arrival  at 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  81, 

LaFayette,  Ind.,  at  eight  in  the  evening,  we  found  a  big 
supper  prepared  by  the  patriotic  and  generous  citizens, 
awaiting  us.  A  committee  had  been  sent  to  meet  the 
Eegiment  a  few  miles  out.  There  was  an  abundance  of 
everything  that  hungry  men  could  desire,  and  when — 
after  an  hour  spent  in  feasting,  the  cars  bore  us  away, 
all  voted  the  people  of  LaFayette  to  be  the  most  gener 
ous  and  hospitable  in  the  world.  The  officers  of  the  Regi 
ment  gathered  in  one  of  the  cars  and  resolved  them 
selves  into  a  committee  of  the  whole,  for  the  purpose  of 
considering  the  extraordinary  courtesy  shown  and  pass 
ing  such  resolutions  as  seemed  proper.  Lieutenant 
Osman  acted  as  secretary.  Speeches  were  made  and 
numerous  resolutions  complimenting  everybody,  from 
the  railroad  officials  and  the  committee  and  people  of 
LaFayette,  to  the  waiters  who  served  the  feast,  were  in 
troduced  and  discussed.  The  meeting  did  not  break  up 
until  long  after  midnight,  and  all  of  the  pent-up  patriot 
ism  in  the  assembly  had  found  expression,  and  the  ef 
fects  of  the  excellent  champagne  had  worked  off. 

The  Regiment  arrived  in  Jeffersonville  at  dark  on 
the  13th,  and  as  on  a  former  occasion  bivouacked  on. 
some  vacant  lots  near  the  depot. 

The  next  day,  the  14th,  news  was  received  of  the 
death  of  Lieutenant  William  Brush,  of  Company  D, 
who  had  been  left  in  Chicago,  very  sick.  Crossing  over 
the  Ohio,  we  took  the  cars  in  the  evening  for  Nashville. 

The  cars  ran  slow  all  night  and  we  did  not  reach 
Bowling  Green  until  half  past  nine  on  the  15th.  Some 
soldiers  of  various  regiments — except  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth — convicted  and  sentenced  for  misde 
meanors,  whom  we  had  brought  along,  were  left  here 
to  work  on  the  fortifications. 

When  about  to  proceed  on  our  journey  a  report  was 
received  that  the  guerrillas  were  disturbing  the  track, 
and  trains  ahead,  in  consequence  of  which  Company  A 
was  detailed  to  guard  the  mail  car. 

But  nothing  positive  was  encountered  until  we  ar 
rived  within  eight  miles  of  Gallatin,  where  the  telegraph 
poles  had  been  cut  down.  Company  A  disembarking: 


!        82  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

was  deployed  and  marched  some  distance,  but  failed 
to  develop  any  rebels. 

The  weary  ride  ended  at  ten  in  the  evening  when 
Nashville  was  reached.  Then  soldiering  began  in  ear 
nest.  Leaving  the  cars  the  Regiment  marched  over  the 
Cumberland  and  bivouacked  at  the  east  end  of  the 
bridge,  in  the  suburb  of  Edgefield.  The  night  was 
warm,  and  we  lay  down — as  on  many  previous  oc 
casions,  and  wrapped  in  our  blankets  enjoyed  such  sleep 
as  kings  might  envy. 

The  next  day,  the  17th,  was  warm  and  lovely,  and 
having  no  tents  some  were  constructed  from  blankets, 
which  served  to  protect  us  from  the  heat  of  the  sun. 

The  Regiment  was  assigned  to  the  Fourth  Division, 
Fourteenth  Corps,  Colonel  Smith  of  the  Sixteenth  Illi 
nois,  commanding  a  part  of  the  Division. 

We  now  had  to  furnish  details  for  picket  duty 
around  Edgefield,  and  take  up  the  regular  duties  of  a 
soldier's  life.  Our  bivouac  was  named  Camp  Moore. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  remained  at  Camp 
Moore  until  the  20th  and  while  here  received  the  new 
"shelter  tents"  recently  introduced  into  the  service. 
We  were  disposed  at  first  to  regard  them  with  distrust, 
,and  they  were  called  "Dog"  and  "Pup"  tents  by  the  boys, 
but  their  advantages  soon  became  known.  Each  was 
composed  of  two  pieces  of  canvas  four  by  six  feet  in 
size,  and  calculated  to  shelter  two  men.  On  the  march 
each  soldier  carried  one  piece.  They  were  water-proof, 
light  and  easily  pitched,  the  pieces  buttoning  together 
over  the  ridge  pole.  The  great  benefit  was  in  the  fact 
of  the  soldier  always  having  his  house  with  him  on  his 
back.  Both  officers  and  privates  were  destined  to  bid 
a  long  farewell  to  the  old  "Sibley." 

The  Regiment  left  Camp  Moore  on  the  20th  and 
marching  through  Nashville,  camped  on  the  south  side 
near  Fort  Negley — one  of  the  chain  of  earthworks 
erected  to  guard  the  approach  from  the  south.  The 
camp  was  made  on  a  steep  hillside  from  whence  we  had 
a  grand  view  of  Nashville  and  the  country  round  it. 
Just  below  lay  the  "Granny  White  Turnpike"  an  im- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

portant  thoroughfare  and  one  used  by  both  armies  in 
military  movements.  The  great  drawback  to  this  camp 
was  the  difficulty  experienced  at  night  in  trying  to  keep 
in  bed,  there  was  a  perpetual  tendency  while  asleep  to 
either  roll  or  slide  out,  and  one  very  sound  sleeper  get 
ting  adrift  one  night  actually  went  to  the  bottom  of  the 
hill,  and  in  the  morning  was  much  puzzled  on  waking 
up  to  find  himself  parted  from  his  "Pup"  tent. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged  here 
until  May  4  in  drilling,  picket  and  guard  duty,  and  in 
escorting  railroad  supply  trains  to  Murfreesboro  where 
General  Kosecrans  lay  with  the  main  army.  The 
weather  continued  to  be  of  the  loveliest.  In  intervals 
of  duty  Nashville  was  much  visited.  The  Capitol — a 
very  fine  building  of  stone  and  marble  was  guarded  in 
turn  by  companies  or  details  from  the  Regiment.  From 
the  dome  of  the  Capitol  there  was  visible  a  grand  pano 
rama  of  scenery  seldom  equaled.  The  long  lines  of  forts 
and  earthworks,  bristling  with  cannon  and  garrisoned 
by  Union  soldiers,  stood  in  bold  contrast  with  the  beau 
ties  of  nature1  shown  by  hill  and  valley,  and  fertile 
fields,  through  which  the  waters  of  the  Cumberland 
wound  their  way  to  the  Ohio ;  all  made  for  peace,  com 
merce,  prosperity  and  happiness,  but  now  blasted  by 
the  desolation  of  war. 

Sometimes  standing  or  wandering  around  the  broad 
porticos  of  the  Capitol,  and  drinking  in  all  of  the  beauty 
and  richness  of  this  goodly  land,  it  seemed  impossible 
to  realize  that  we  were  here  as  invaders  and  conquerors, 
surrounded  by  treason  on  every  hand,  with  vast  rebel 
armies  but  a  few  miles  distant. 

Few  will  forget  the  Ackland  place,  which  we  had 
to  furnish  details  to  guard.  This  was  about  one  mile 
from  our  camp,  and  the  large  and  princely  residence 
situated  in  the  midst  of  a  ten  acre  plat  of  ground 
was  surrounded  by  elegant  gardens  and  greenhouses, 
and  an  abundance  of  statuary.  The  owner  was  sup 
posed  to  be  a  Union  man,  but  this  might  not  mean  much. 

On  the  4th  of  May  the  Regiment  was  ordered  to 
Brentwood  ten  miles  south  of  Nashville.  On  arrival  we 


84  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

went  into  camp  in  a  beautiful  grove  of  large  trees,  and 
near  the  Little  Harpeth  river. 

We  found  here  a  brigade  of  infantry  and  a  regiment 
of  cavalry,  Colonel  Dan.  McCook,  commanding.  The 
Regiment  was  attached  to  this  brigade  temporarily. 

This  Post  was  an  important  one  and  liable  to  attack 
at  any  time,  therefore  heavy  picket  lines  were  main 
tained  and  ceaseless  vigilance  prevailed.  Brigade  and 
battalion  drill  occupied  several  hours  each  day.  The 
small  fort  already  built  when  we  arrived  was  further 
strengthened.  On  the  14th  John  M.  Mellon,  of  Com 
pany  B,  was  wounded  by  guerrillas  while  on  picket. 

Major  Widmer  arrived  on  the  18th  and  was  wel 
comed  by  a  speech,  serenade,  etc.  While  at  Brentwood 
rumors  of  the  capture  of  Richmond  and  Vicksburg  were 
received  and  were  so  well  credited  that  the  soldiers  got 
up  an  impromptu  celebration  in  the  evening  by  parad 
ing  around  with  lighted  candles  placed  in  the  muzzles 
of  their  guns.  It  was  ascertained  later  that  the  "blow 
out"  was  slightly  premature.  The  result  was  a  large 
number  of  elongated  faces  the  next  day. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  arrived  on  the  21st  and 
was  accorded  a  warm  reception  in  the  usual  American 
style. 

We  received  news  on  the  19th  of  the  occupation  of 
Jackson,  Miss.,  and  the  success  of  Grierson's  raid. 

The  companies  had  been  practicing  target  shooting 
for  some  days.  M.  Kirkpatrick,  of  Company  D,  making 
the  best  shot  of  any  one  in  that  command. 

At  1  a.  m.  of  the  28th,  the  long  roll  called  us  to  arms 
and  we  moved  into  the  fort,  expecting  an  attack,  but 
the  enemy  did  not  materialize.  The  brigade  remained 
under  arms  until  noon. 

An  order  came  on  the  3d  of  June  for  the  Regiment 
to  report  at  Nashville.  After  helping  to  destroy  the 
Avorks,  we  left  in  the  afternoon,  and  reached  our  former 
camp  at  twelve  that  night,  where  we  remained  inactive 
until  June  7th. 

In  pursuance  of  an  order  received  on  the  6th  to  join 
the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  at  Murfreesboro,  the- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  85 

Regiment  reported  there  on  the  7th  and  was  assigned 
to  the  First  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Fourteenth 
Army  Corps,  commanded  respectively  by  Generals 
John  Beatty,  James  S.  Negley  and  George  H.  Thomas. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had  at  last  found  its 
proper  position  among  veteran  troops,  being  brigaded 
with  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky,  Forty-second  and  Eighty- 
eighth  Indiana  regiments,  that  bore  upon  their  ban 
ners  the  brilliant  legend  "Stone's  River,"  while  our 
brigade  commander  had  won  his  star  on  that  bloody 
field. 

The  military  preciseness  and  air  of  business  that 
pervaded  everything  and  everybody  in  this  great  armed 
camp  of  60,000  men  produced  at  once  an  impression 
of  awe  and  respect  never  to  be  forgotten.  The  effects 
of  strict  military  discipline  were  visible  in  the  clean 
and  regularly  laid  out  camps,  as  well  as  in  the  soldierly 
bearing  of  the  men.  It  was  evident  that  the  days  of 
wild  and  independent  "Jayhawking"  over  the  coun 
try,  to  which  we  had  been  accustomed,  were  ended. 
Therefore  with  becoming  resignation  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  settled  down  to  get  acquainted  with 
the  new  surroundings  and  more  exacting  duties. 

From  this  date  until  the  24th  of  June  the  Regiment. 
Iiad  its  time  fully  occupied.  Brigade  drill  began  at 
four  o'clock  a.  in.  and  lasted  until  six;  breakfast  at 
Iialf  past  six;  rest  until  nine;  then  company  or  battal 
ion  drill  until  eleven;  when  we  rested  until  two  p.  m.; 
after  this  we  had  brigade  or  division  drill  until  six. 
Thus  there  was  little  time  for  idleness,  a  condition  that 
the  increasing  heat  would  have  made  agreeable,  had 
not  the  iron  hand  of  military  authority  prevented. 

A  few  days  after  our  arrival,  Lieutenant  Osman 
and  the  writer  fell  into  a  piece  of  clover  that  removed 
them  to  a  position  on  the  staff  of  General  Beatty  as 
Aides  de  Camp  and  precluded  the  necessity  of  doing 
any  more  walking  for  some  time.  The  latter  having 
been  almost  born  on  horseback  found  himself  again 
in  his  natural  element,  but  it  is  conjectured  that  Lieu- 


86  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

tenant  Osman  felt  more  at  home  on  terra  firma  than 
on  the  back  of  a  prancing  war  horse. 

The  writer,  thrown  into  intimate  association  with 
the  General  and  his  staff,  experienced  at  first  the  dis 
advantages  arising  from  his  youth  and  natural  diffi 
dence,  but  with  acquaintance  this  feeling  wore  off.  As 
for  "Mose"  he  had  been  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  war 
and  was  undaunted  by  anything  except  the  problem  of 
how  to  ride  properly.  The  effect,  however,  was  always 
striking. 

For  many  months  General  Rosecrans  had  been  pre 
paring  for  a  great  forward  movement,  by  reorganizing 
and  recruiting  his  army — particularly  the  cavalry; 
accumulating  immense  supplies  of  rations  in  Murfrees- 
boro;  and  building  an  impregnable  line  of  forts  and 
earthworks  around  the  town.  In  accomplishing  the 
Herculean  task  he  had  met  with  numerous  obstacles 
wrhich  neither  the  Government  or  people  could  under 
stand  or  appreciate.  Like  his  great  Lieutenant,  Gen 
eral  Thomas,  he  had  been  accused  of  being  too  slow 
and  cautious.  But  about  June  1st  all  the  indications 
pointed  toward  more  active  operations,  the  outlying 
regiments,  brigades  and  divisions,  were  advanced 
nearer  the  front.  The  Reserve  Corps,  composed  of  the 
First,  Second  and  Third  Divisions,  was  organized  and 
put  under  the  command  of  General  Gordon  Granger. 

General  Rosecrans  could  now  move  on  the  enemy 
with  an  effective  force  of  65,000  men  well  armed  and 
disciplined. 

General  Bragg  with  an  army  of  about  59,000  men 
(Vide  his  reports,  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol.  33)  occupied  strongly 
entrenched  positions  in  our  front  extending  to  Tulla- 
homa,  sixty  miles  distant.  Besides  the  fortifications 
his  lines  were  well  protected  by  nature,  the  country 
being  rough  and  hilly  with  few  roads,  and  these  ran 
through  the  gaps  in  the  hills  sometimes  for  several 
miles,  making  their  defense  easy  if  attacked  in  front. 

But  General  Rosecrans  had  thoroughly  studied  the 
situation  with  the  mind  of  a  strategist,  and  at  last,  on 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  87 

the  23d  of  June,  everything  being  in  readiness,  issued 
a  general  order  for  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  to 
move  on  the  enemy  early  on  the  24th. 

However,  to  cover  his  real  designs,  General  Gor 
don  Granger's  Corps  and  the  cavalry  began  the  execu 
tion  of  a  movement,  intended  as  a  feint,  upon  the 
enemy's  left  on  the  23d. 

The  order  for  the  advance  was  hailed  with  joy  by 
the  soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  who  had 
unbounded  confidence  in  their  General  and  affection 
ately  called  him  "Old  Rosey." 

All  applied  themselves  to  the  busy  task  of  prepar 
ing  for  a  campaign  the  extent,  duration  and  results  of 
which  the  wisest  could  not  foretell,  but  w^hich  had 
for  its  object  the  defeat  and  destruction  of  Bragg's 
army  and  the  possession  of  Chattanooga — the  very 
gateway  to  the  inmost  South. 


CHAPTER   IX. 


The  Tullahoma  Campaign— Advance  to  Hoover's  Gap— Wilder's 
Charge— McCook  at  Liberty  Gap— Occupation  of  Manchester 
— Beatty's  Brigade  Sent  to  Hillsboro— Attacked  by  Cavalry- 
Rejoins  Negley— Bragg  Retreats— Tullahoma  Occupied— Beat 
ty's  Advance  to  Elk  River— Seven  Miles  of  Fighting— Stock 
ade  Captured  by  a  .Detachment  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth— The  Rebels  Fall  Back— Rejoicing  over  Gettysburg 
and  Vicksburg — In  Camp. 


In  all  the  history  of  the  war  there  are  no  more 
interesting  and  instructive  lessons  to  the  military  stu 
dent  than  those  afforded  by  the  Tullahoma  and  Chick- 
amauga  campaigns,  inaugurated  by  General  Rosecrans 
against  General  Bragg  with  the  primary  objects  in 
view  of  not  only  regaining  possession  of  the  vast  terri 
tory  extending  to  the  Tennessee  river,  which  had  been 
acquired  and  abandoned  by  Buell  the  preceding  year, 
but  also  passing  beyond  that  great  water  barrier,  and 
scaling  the  mountain  systems  that  hem  it  in — gain 
the  coveted  prize  of  Chattanooga — which,  indeed, 
seemed  secure  enough  from  capture,  situated  in  the 
midst  of  great  natural  defenses  and  protected  by  a 
veteran  army  fighting  on  its  own  soil.  Napoleon  in 
crossing  the  Alps  only  had  to  contend  with  the  condi 
tions  imposed  by  nature  at  an  unfavorable  season. 
General  Rosecrans  not  only  had  to  overcome  natural 
obstacles  as  great,  but  also  to  conquer  or  drive  back 
an  opposing  army  nearly  as  large  as  his  own,  and  one 
which  he  never  contemplated  would  surrender  so  great 
and  vital  parts  of  the  Confederacy  with  the  moral  con 
sequences  involved,  without  a  decisive  battle.  There 
fore,  having  this  always  in  view  he  conceived  and  began 
the  grand  strategic  movements  calculated  to  accom 
plish  the  objects  mentioned. 

From  the  inception  of  the  campaign  the  history  of 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

the  parts  borne  by  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
became  so  blended  with  those  of  not  only  its  Brigade 
and  Division,  but  of  the  mighty  human  machine  of 
which  it  also  formed  a  part,  as  to  render  an  account  of 
all  in  a  concise  and  general  way,  necessary— in  order 
to  have  an  intelligent  appreciation  of  its  own  actions 
in  connection  therewith. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  of  June,  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland,  embracing,  besides  the 
Keserve  Corps,  those  of  McCook,  Thomas  and  Critten- 
den,  or  the  ^Twentieth,  Fourteenth  and  Twenty-first 
Corps,  were  set  in  motion  and  marched  away  on  three 
different  roads  toward  the  south  in- quest  of  Bragg's 
army. 

The  weather  was  anything  but  propitious,  the  rain 
falling  in  torrents  and  continuously  all  day,  making 
the  roads  very  muddy  and  adding  to  the  discomfort 
of  the  men,  who  were,  however,  somewhat  protected 
from  the  inclemency  of  the  storm  by  the  small  rubber 
ponchos  which  the  Government  had  issued  to  every 
soldier,  and  which  served  to  protect  their  arms  as  well 
as  persons,  being  used  at  night  also,  as  the  substratum 
-of  very  humble  beds  in  the  mud. 

The  spectacle  of  over  60,000  men,  infantry,  artillery 
and  cavalry,  drawn  up  in  martial  array  and  filing  off 
in  long  lines  over  the  level  plains  of  Murfreesboro,  fol 
lowed  by  immense  wagon  trains — which,  if  arranged 
in  a  single  line  would  have  extended  forty  miles,  could 
never  be  forgotten  by  those  who  composed  this  grand 
army. 

As  anticipated  by  General  Kosecrans,  the  feint 
movements  made  by  his  troops  on  the  enemy's  left  and 
center  by  our  right  succeeded,  and  the  main  part  of  the 
army  was  thrown  rapidly  against  their  right  in  the 
direction  of  Manchester  and  Tullahoma,  thus  flank 
ing  the  heavy  fortifications  at  Shelby ville,  Avhere  the 
enemy  expected  to  be  attacked,  and  forcing  Bragg  to 
fight  on  ground  of  General  Rosecrans'  own  selection 
or  run. 

General  McCook,  after  starting  on  the  Shelby vi lie 


90  THE   ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

turnpike  and  demonstrating  heavily  in  that  direction,, 
deflected  his  divisions  to  the  left  toward  Liberty  Gap, 
which  he  found  strongly  defended,  but  pushing  rapidly 
he  enveloped  the  enemy's  flank  and  before  night,  after 
considerable  skirmishing  and  fighting,  drove  him  pell- 
mell  through  the  Gap,  a  distance  of  two  miles. 

Contemporaneously,  General  Thomas,  with  the 
Fourteenth  Army  Corps,  advanced  on  the  Manchester 
Turnpike,  and  Crittenden's  Corps  toward  Bradyville 
in  support. 

Wiider's  Brigade  of  mounted  infantry,  with  the 
rest  of  Reynolds'  Division,  led  the  advance  of  the  Four 
teenth,  Rosseau's  and  Negley's  Divisions  following. 

Wilder  encountered  the  rebel  pickets  seven  miles 
out  and  rushed  over  them.  He  then,  with  his  usual 
impetuosity,  attacked  the  reserves  at  Hoover's  G^ap 
and  drove  the  entire  force  through  the  deep  defile — 
three  miles  in  length,  to  the  southern  entrance,  where 
the  three  rebel  brigades  of  Bates,  Wharton  and  Lid- 
dell  lay  in  a  strong  position.  On  the  way  Wilder  cap 
tured  nine  wagons  and  some  prisoners.  As  the  enemy 
proposed  to  fight,  Wilder  disposed  his  gallant  three 
Illinois  and  two  Indiana  regiments  with  his  howitzers 
and  ten  pounder  rifled  Rodman  guns  on  the  hills  and 
awaited  the  onset.  The  enemy,  after  firing,  and  cov 
ered  by  artillery,  charged  in  a  spirited  manner  several 
times,  but  could  not  resist  Wilder's  repeating  rifles. 
They  turned  and  fled,  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded 
on  the  field.  It  was  well  that  they  did,  as  Re3rnolds 
now  came  up  with  two  brigades.  The  victory  was 
important,  gained  with  a  loss  to  us  of  sixty-one  killed 
and  wounded,  while  that  of  the  enemy  was  five  hun 
dred.  General  Rosecrans  on  surveying  the  ground,, 
remarked,  "WTilder  has  saved  us  thousands  of  men." 

Darkness  coming  on,  the  operations  of  the  day 
closed,  and  the  entire  army  bivouacked  for  the  night 
in  the  midst  of  rain  and  mud.  Our  Division  went  into 
camp  at  Big  Creek — Rosseau's  in  advance. 

The  morning  of  the  25th  dawned  upon  us  rainy  and 
dark  with  fleecy  clouds  of  mist  hanging  over  the  moun- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  9L 

tains.  The  army  was  again  set  in  motion  and,  as  on 
the  24th,  steadily  drove  the  enemy  at  all  points.  Neg- 
ley  moved  at  ten  in  support  of  Rosseau  and  Reynolds 
at  Hoover's  Gap,  the  latter  meeting  with  considerable 
opposition  and  losing  a  number  in  killed  and  wounded. 
Beatty's  Brigade,  as  it  drew  nearer  about  one  o'clock, 
witnessed  a  part  of  the  fight,  but  was  not  ordered  into 
it,  and  later  went  into  camp  near  the  Gap,  where  there* 
was  a  store.  Some  of  the  boys  made  a  raid  on  this 
and  on  some  bee  hives  in  the  vicinity.  After  a  time 
General  Beatty  sent  the  writer  to  disperse  the  raiders, 
but  the  bees  contributed  more  effectually  to  that  end. 

In  the  afternoon  the  enemy  attempted  to  retake  a 
portion  of  Liberty  Gap,  occupied  by  Johnson's  Divi 
sion  of  McCook's  Corps  and  made  a  desperate  fight,  but 
was  repulsed  in  every  attack,  with  a  loss  of  one  hun 
dred  killed,  and  seven  hundred  and  fifty  wounded,  while 
that  of  Johnson  was  two  hundred  and  thirty-one  killed 
and  wounded. 

Thomas  and  Crittenden  continued  to  advance  on  the 
26th  in  the  midst  of  a  continuous  rain  over  roads  almost 
impassable,  and  in  the  face  of  considerable  opposition 
to  the  former,  but  at  night  Thomas  arrived  within  five 
miles  of  Manchester  and  occupied  a  strong  position 
which  would  compel  Bragg  to  give  up  Tullahoma  and 
his  entire  line  of  defenses,  or  fight,  in  which  latter  case 
the  whole  army  could  be  massed  on  his  left  and  crush  it. 

Negley's  Division  moved  in  support  of  Rosseau  and 
Reynolds,  hearing  cannonading  all  day  ahead,  and  at 
night  bivouacked  at  Beech  Grove  in  high  spirits  over 
the  uninterrupted  successes. 

McCook's  and  Granger's  Corps  remained  inactive 
on  the  26th,  awaiting  the  result  of  General  Thomas' 
operations. 

Early  on  the  27th  Wilder's  advance  dashed  into 
Manchester,  surprising  and  capturing  some  rebel 
guards.  The  rest  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  Reynolds 
in  advance,  soon  followed,  but  the  last  of  it  did  not 
arrive  until  midnight  on  account  of  the  condition  of  the 
roads.  The  larger  part  of  the  transportation  was  left 


--92  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

miles  behind.  Beatty's  Brigade,  leaving  at  five  a.  m., 
guarded  the  Division  wagon  train  through  to  Man 
chester  and  camped.  We  were  then  only  twelve  miles 
from  Tullahoma. 

McCook's  Corps,  having  nothing  to  oppose  it, 
marched  for  Manchester.  Granger's  Corps  encountered 
Wheeler  at  Guy's  Gap,  drove  him  into  Shelbyville  and, 
*  .after  hard  fighting,  across  Duck  Kiver,  with  a  loss  to 
Wheeler  of  his  artillery,  two  hundred  killed  and 
wounded,  and  five  hundred  taken  prisoners. 

The  day's  operations  along  the  whole  line  had  been 
successful,  and  at  night  the  enemy  was  in  hasty  retreat 
from  his  extended  and  elaborate  system  of  fortifica 
tions,  evidently  only  anxious  to  get  beyond  the  reach 
of  his  adversary. 

The  full  measure  of  the  success  of  General  Rose- 
crans'  strategy  became  generally  known  on  the  28th, 
Sunday,  and  raised  the  enthusiasm  of  the  Army  of 
the  Cumberland  to  the  highest  point,  whilst  their 
admiration  for  their  leader  was  unbounded. 

But  mindful  that  only  a  small  part  of  the  work 
to  be  accomplished  had  been  completed,  General  Rose- 
crans  ordered  General  Thomas  to  push  the  enemy  to 
the  utmost,  while  he  waited  for  McCook  and  Critten- 
den,  who  were  still  struggling  desperately  in  the  rear 
midst  mud  and  rain,  to  reach  Manchester. 

Therefore  General  Wilder  was  sent  at  daylight  on 
the  28th,  with  his  mounted  infantry  to  break  the  rail 
road  south  of  Decherd  and  Elk  river,  save  the  bridges 
and  delay  the  enemy. 

To  support  Wilder's  movement,  Thomas  ordered 
General  John  Beatty  to  move  with  our  Brigade  to  Hills- 
boro,  eight  miles  from  Manchester,  on  the  enemy's 
extreme  right.  Our  prospect  for  a  Sunday  rest  was 
thus  suddenly  ended  and  at  ten  the  Brigade  fell  into 
line  and  marched  off  through  the  woods  over  execrable 
roads.  Colonel  T.  P.  Nicholas  was  also  ordered  to 
report  with  his  First  Battalion  of  the  Second  Kentucky 
Cavalry  to  General  Beatty  at  Hillsboro.  The  Brigade 
arrived  at  its  destination  late  in  the  afternoon  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  93- 

wen£  into  camp  in  the  outskirts  of  the  tumble  down 
village  at  a  point  covering  the  old  Chattanooga  road. 
The  position  was  an  exposed  one  far  from  support,  and 
a  strong  picket  line  was  established,  while  the  com 
mand  was  cautioned  to  be  in  constant  readiness  for 
possible  attack.  Meantime  the  rain  continued  to  make 
things  disagreeable.  No  fires  were  allowed  after  dark. 
The  men  erected  what  shelters  they  could  and  lay  down 
to  rest.  About  twelve  in  the  night  firing  was  heard  on 
the  picket  line  held  by  the  Cavalry.  General  Beatty 
arousing  the  writer,  who  was  sound  asleep,  sent  him 
to  ascertain  the  cause.  The  Brigade  was  awakened 
and  stood  in  line  of  battle  until  daylight.  It  was  found 
that  Colonel  Nicholas  had  been  attacked,  but  the  enemy 
did  not  follow  it  up.  However,  there  was  no  more  sleep 
ing  done  that  night,  General  Beatty  and  staff  standing 
with  the  rest — horses  in  waiting,  ready  to  mount,  or 
occasionally  visiting  the  outposts. 

We  remained  here  until  noon  of  the  29th,  when 
General  Beatty  was  ordered  to  join  the  Division  in  the 
direction  of  Tullahoma,  at  Bobo's  Cross-roads,  eleven 
miles  from  us  by  the  shortest  road,  which  was  also 
exposed  to  attack  from  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who  were 
in  close  proximity  to  us  and  in  sight.  Starting  imme 
diately  by  a  cross-road  that  led  through  a  barren,  low 
country  covered  with  a  thin  timber  growth,  we  had 
gone  four  miles  w^hen  a  dash  was  made  by  the  enemy 
on  our  cavalry  at  the  head  of  the  column.  The  attack 
was  repulsed  with  a  loss  to  Colonel  Nicholas  of  Lieu 
tenant  Jenkins  killed,  one  wounded  and  one  captured. 
We  had  been  marching  in  column  down  a  narrow  lane, 
but  General  Beatty  at  once  deployed  the  Brigade  in 
line,  w^ith  the  artillery  (Hewitt's  Battery)  in  the  center, 
and  thus  formed,  we  advanced  through  the  fields  and 
woods,  but  no  further  attack  was  made.  About  five 
p.  m.  we  were  suddenly  alarmed  by  two  cannon  shots 
and  musketry  firing  in  front.  The  Brigade  then  took 
position  near  a  log  barn  and  fence,  ready  for  battle. 
The  scouts  coming  in  reported  the  enemy  advancing 
in  force  with  artillery.  Soon  after  the  cavalry  reported 


34  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  supposed  enemy  to  be  our  own  troops  of  Reynolds' 
Division.  The  scattering  shots  had  injured  no  one,  and 
we  moved  on  to  Bobo's,  where  we  found  the  rest  of 
Negley's  Division  and  went  into  camp. 

The  Division  remained  in  camp  on  the  30th,  and 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  being-  on  short  rations, 
made  up  the  scant  allowance  by  gathering  ripened 
wheat  from  a  field  and  boiling  it,  and  also  feasted  on 
stray  hogs  found  in  the  woods.  The  writer  was  ordered 
to  report  to  General  Negley  early,  which  he  did,  and 
was  sent  by  him  with  some  orderlies  from  Headquar 
ters  back  to  Manchester  for  forage  to  feed  the  artil 
lery  horses,  also  supplies.  We  started  and  the  roads 
being  impassable  picked  our  way  through  the  woods. 
On  arrival  and  reporting  to  Brigade  Commissary 
Wells,  he  loaded  up  a  pack  train  of  mules  with  which 
we  started  back,  and  on  the  way  running  across  a  dozen 
liead  of  cattle  drove  them  into  camp,  where  we  arrived 
at  dark.  All  of  the  supply  trains  were  at  Manchester 
or  north  of  there,  unable  to  move. 

The  movements  of  the  army  on  the  30th  were  con 
fined  mainly  to  closing  up  on  Tullahonia.  Stray  citi 
zens  coming  in  reported  Bragg  as  evacuating,  there 
fore  General  Steedman's  Brigade  with  one  of  Sheri 
dan's  and  Reynolds'  advanced  to  within  two  miles  of 
the  town,  but  met  with  a  spirited  opposition  from  rebel 
infantry  and  artillery,  losing  fifteen  men.  Fearing  a 
ruse  and  it  being  about  dark,  Steedman  halted  for  the 
night. 

Early  on  July  1st  he  again  advanced  and  entered 
Tullahoma  at  noon.  A  few  prisoners  were  taken,  but 
the  main  army  had  gone.  In  conformity  with  this 
movement  the  other  Divisions  moved  forward,  Neg- 
ley's  leading,  supported  by  Rosseau's. 

Beatty's  Brigade  being  in  front  had  gone  about  four 
miles  when  our  battalion  of  cavalry  was  suddenly 
attacked,  but  the  enemy  fell  back  a  mile  or  so,  when 
he  opened  upon  us  with  a  masked  battery  of  artillery, 
our  battery  replied  and  for  half  an  hour  kept  up  a 
lively  fusillade.  There  were  three  casualties  in  the  One 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  95 

Hundred  and  Fourth,  among  them,  Corporal  George 
Wine  of  Conipay  K,  who  was  killed  by  a  solid  shot. 
Meantime  the  infantry  were  slowly  feeling  their  way 
through  the  woods  and  underbrush.  The  weather 
being  very  hot  many  were  sunstruck.  The  enemy  again 
limbered\ip  their  battery  and  retired  half  a  mile  to 
Spring  Creek  Pass,  where  another  artillery  duel  fol 
lowed.  Thus  our  Brigade  drove  them  from  place  to 
place  for  seven  miles  and  until  dark,  to  a  point  near 
Heffner's  Mill.  The  other  brigades  of  Negley's  Divi 
sion  had  followed  within  close  supporting  distance  all 
day.  Strong  pickets  were  thrown  out  to  the  front  and 
right,  while  Rosseau  picketed  the  left  and  rear. 

The  day's  work  had  been  hard  but  most  satisfac 
tory.  The  intense  heat  had  prostrated  many  and  Sur 
geon  Dyer  with  his  assistants  were  busy  all  day. 

The  position  occupied  by  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  in  the  advance  was  on  the  left  of  the  Battery 
and  the  road,  with  Company  K  thrown  out  as  skirmish 
ers  under  Captain  Fitzsimmons.  Under  orders  from 
General  Beatty  the  writer  frequently  visited  this  part 
of  the  line,  and  Colonel  Moore  being  deaf,  at  the  request 
of  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  and  Major,  repeated  the 
orders  to  them,  so  that  no  mistakes  might  occur. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2nd  it  was  discovered  that  a 
large  rebel  force  had  bivouacked  only  half  a  mile  from 
us.  The  march  was  resumed  all  along  the  line — our 
brigade  in  advance.  After  going  about  one  mile  we 
came  suddenly  to  the  Elk  river  valley,  half  or  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide,  and  beheld  the  enemy  on  the 
opposite  bluff  with  a  battery  in  position.  The  brigade 
was  halted  in  the  shelter  of  the  woods  and  another 
battery  additional  to  our  own,  ordered  up  by  General 
Beatty.  We  then  began  to  play  upon  them  with  ten 
guns,  much  to  their  surprise,  and  their  infantry  and 
cavalry  at  once  sought  a  safer  place.  The  rebel  bat 
tery  replied,  but  the  fire  from  ours  was  so  effective  as 
to  disable  one  or  two  of  their  guns,  when  the  battery 
limbered  to  the  rear.  Most  of  the  rebel  shells  flew 
high  over  the  heads  of  our  men,  crashing  among  the 


9C  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

trees  and  breaking  limbs,  but  beyond  two  or  three  men. 
wounded  by  pieces  of  shells  no  damage  was  done.  Near 
the  bridge  across  the  Elk  (and  which  had  been  fired) 
there  was  a  small  log  stockade  occupied  by  rebel  sharp 
shooters,  who  annoyed  our  advance  skirmishers.  The 
ground  down  to  the  river  was  a  clear  level  plain,  but 
along  the  bank,  which  was  low,  fringed  with  trees. 
General  Beatty,  calling  upon  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  to  furnish  a  detail  of  ten  men  to  capture  the 
stockade,  Colonel  Moore  selected  Sergeant  George 
Marsh  to  lead  the  party.  The  Sergeant  called  for  vol 
unteers,  who  promptly  responded.  The  men  wha 
stepped  forward  for  w^hat  was  considered  a  forlorn 
hope  were,  besides  Marsh,  John  Shapland,  John  IL 
Powers,  Kichard  J.  Gage,  Oscar  Slagle,  Win.  A.  Fight, 
Robert  Harr,  Lena.  F.  Holland,  Murray  Kirkpatrick  and 
K.  S.  Smalley.  The  little  band  deploying  as  skirmish 
ers,  and  covered  by  the  fire  of  our  batteries,  double- 
quicked  across  the  plain,  the  rebel  sharpshooters  firing 
at  them,  and  gained  the  river  without  a  casuality,  then 
rallying  on  the  left,  they  rushed  for  the  stockade.  The 
dozen  rebels  inside,  seized  with  a  panic  at  the  bold 
action,  left  in  confusion,  and  swimming  the  Elk,  took 
to  the  woods,  from  which  they  sent  back  a  few  shots. 
The  party  was  soon  after  ordered  back  and  received 
the  personal  thanks  of  the  General.  Captain  Howe,, 
with  Company  B,  was  then  sent  down  with  a  detail  to 
put  out  the  fire  at  the  bridge. 

It  was  then  about  four,  and  there  being  no  signs  of 
the  enemy,  and  with  the  line  of  the  Elk  in  complete 
possession  of  our  army,  we  went  into  bivouac  in  the 
valley  near  the  position  held  all  day. 

The  night  was  a  joyous  one  in  our  camps,  for  it  was 
certain  that  General  Bragg  was  in  full  retreat  over 
the  lofty  Cumberlands.  These  lay  in  sight  and  only  a 
few  miles  distant.  At  a  late  hour  the  writer  remembers 
being  invited  to  a  private  supper  in  the  quarters  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  where  fine  boiled  mutton 
and  pig,  not  issued  by  the  Quartermaster,  were  on  the 
bill  of  fare.  The  locality  was  a  bad  one  for  stray  game^ 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

of  any  kind,  which  somehow  or  other  got  into  trouble 
and  the  mess  pots  of  the  hungry  soldiers.  Near  the 
camp  and  road  there  stood,  the  house  of  a  Presbyterian 
minister,  who,  as  someone  had  ascertained,  was  a  great 
rebel.  At  all  events  he  had  deserted  his  home  on  our 
approach,  and  in  the  intervals  of  duty  the  place  was 
explored  by  our  men,  who  found  among  other  things 
a  large  library  of  books — mostly  theological  works. 
Deeming  it  a  proper  time  to  develop  in  the  line  of  reli 
gious  inquiry,  some  of  the  books  were  carried  away,  but 
probably  found  too  old  and  dry  to  keep.  The  action  at 
Elk  river  closing  with  the  capture  of  the  stockade  by 
a  detail  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  practically 
•ended  the  fighting  for  some  time,  as  will  appear  fur 
ther  on. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3d,  the  different  divisions  of 
the  Fourteenth  Corps  began  crossing  Elk  river  by  the 
fords  at  several  points.    The  bridge  in  front  of  us,  which 
had  been  almost  destroyed,  was  repaired  by  a  portion 
of  General  St.  Clair  Morton's  Pioneer  Corps,  so  that 
by  noon  Negley's  Division,  with  Beatty's  Brigade  still 
in  advance,  crossed,  the  artillery  fording  below.     It 
began  raining  in  the  morning  and  continued  all  day, 
no  Presbyterian  rain  either,  but    a    genuine    Baptist 
down-pour.    But  under  orders  Beatty  pushed  forward 
as  fast  as  possible  on  the  road  toward  the  mountains 
leading  to  University  Place,  where  stood  the  "Univer 
sity  of  the  South."    Having  with  the  utmost  difficulty 
gone  three  miles,  we  went  into  camp  in  the  mud.     On 
the  wray  several   dead   cavalrymen   and   horses   \vere 
found  in  the  woods.    The  rations  of  the  men  were  not 
flavored,  as  last  night,  by  fresh  pig  and  mutton  stews. 
The  army  remained  in  bivouac  during  the  forenoon 
of  the  4th  of  July.     At  noon  General  Beatty  received 
orders  to  push  forward  to  University  Place,  and  we 
started  soon  after,  followed  by  the  rest  of  Negley's 
Division.    The  other  divisions  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps 
were  to  move  in  co-operation  with  ours.    Having  gone 
four  miles  we  reached  the  foot  of  the  mountains  and 
began  the  ascent.     It  was  three  miles  to  the  top,  but 


98  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

before  we  had  gone  half  a  mile  the  road  was  found 
to  be  obstructed  by  trees  which  the  rebels  had  felled. 
General  Beatty  at  once  set  the  orderlies  to  work  to 
remove  the  obstructions  and  sent  the  writer  back  to 
bring  up  a  company  of  men  to  assist.  Meantime  the 
whole  Division  halted,  and  Generals  Thomas  and  Neg- 
ley  rode  forward  to  inspect  the  road.  The  result  being 
communicated  to  General  Rosecrans,  he  ordered  a 
counter  movement  back  to  the  base  of  the  mountains, 
and  directed  the  Fourteenth  Corps  to  go  into  camp. 
General  Beatty,  who  had  gone  on  ahead  with  the  cav 
alry  detachment  and  had  reached  the  summit,  now 
returned,  and  the  Brigade  having  countermarched, 
bivouacked  in  a  swamp  near  the  base  of  the  Pass. 

What  the  next  movement  would  be  was  a  subject 
of  speculation  around  the  evening  camp  fires.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  did  not  forget  that  this  was 
the  natal  day  of  the  Nation,  and  in  how  different  a 
manner  it  had  been  spent  from  usual.  But  it  was  real 
ized  that  unless  the  objects  it  was  fighting  for  could 
be  achieved  thef e  would  be  no  more  use  for  the  National 
Holiday.  About  ten  o'clock  on  Sunday,  the  5th,  the 
whole  army  was  electrified  by  the  joyous  news  from 
General  Rosecrans''  headquarters  that  Grant  had  taken 
Vicksburg  and  Lee's  army  had  been  defeated  at  Gettys 
burg.  The  writer  bore  the  glad  tidings  to  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  and  other  regiments.  The  beam 
ing  faces  everywhere  and  the  cheers  from  tens  of  thou 
sands  of  men  echoed  and  re-echoed  along  the  valley 
of  the  Elk  and  among  the  mountain  gorges,  as  if  to 
tell  our  retreating  foes  that  at  last  treason  and  rebel 
lion  had  met  with  such  signal  defeats  as  to  presage 
their  final  overthrow.  The  camp  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  was  scarcely  above  water  and  became  very 
muddy  from  being  tramped  over  by  so  many  men,  but 
amid  the  enthusiasm  produced  by  the  announcement 
of  the  great  victories,  all  discomforts,  dangers,  hard 
marches  and  short  rations,  were  entirely  forgotten. 
The  men  began  to  clean  up  and  get  rid  of  the  effects 
of  ten  days'  campaigning  in  rain  and  mud.  It  was 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  99 

also  noticed  that  the  Field  and  Staff  came  out  in  clean 
collars  and  indulged  in  the  luxury  of  cigars  from  the 
Sutler's. 

The  first  part  of  General  Kosecrans'  plans  had  been 
successfully  executed  with  the  comparatively  small 
loss  of  eighty-five  killed,  four  hundred  and  eighty-two 
wounded,  and  thirteen  captured;  while  the  losses  of 
General  Bragg  in  killed  and  wounded  were  not  cer 
tainly  known;  he  lost  as  prisoners  fifty-nine  officers 
and  fifteen  hundred  and  seventy-five  men,  together 
with  eleven  pieces  of  artillery.  His  loss  by  desertion 
amounted  to  several  thousands.  The  woods  and  moun 
tains  were  full  of  deserters  and  they  came  in  daily. 
Negley's  Division  lost  three  killed  and  five  wounded, 
of  these  three  belonged  to  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth. 

The  present  campaign  had  terminated  at  an  oppor 
tune  time  as  co-related  to  military  movements  and  suc 
cesses  elsewhere,  but  the  expectation  was  that  General 
Kosecrans  would  at  once  continue  the  advance  and  fol 
low  Bragg  beyond  the  Tennessee  Biver.  Such,  indeed, 
had  been  his  purpose,  and  the  movements  of  Negley 
and  Beatty  on  July  4th,  were  the  initiative  steps  in 
that  direction,  but  one  more  day's  consideration  led 
him  to  a  different  conclusion,  and  the  Army  of  the 
Cumberland  went  into  camp  for  rest  and  recuperation 
while  the  further  preparations  which  General  Kose 
crans  deemed  necessary  were  being  made  for  the  next 
forward  movement. 

Extract  from  the  report  of  General  Thomas  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  Tullahoma  campaign :  "Without  par 
ticularizing  or  referring  to  individual  merit  in  any  one 
division  of  my  command,  I  can  render  willing  testi 
mony  to  the  manly  endurance  and  soldierly  conduct 
of  both  officers  and  men  composing  my  Corps,  march 
ing  day  and  night,  through  a  most  relentless  rain,  and 
over  almost  impassable  roads,  bivouacking  by  the  road 
side,  ever  ready  and  willing  to  'fall  in'  and  pursue  the 
enemy  wherever  ordered,  with  a  cheerfulness  and 
determination  truly  admirable,  and  no  less  commend 
able  when  confronting  the  enemy;  fearless  and  un- 


100  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

daunted,  their  columns  never  wavered,  giving  the  high 
est  proof  of  their  veteran  qualities,  and  showing  what 
^dependence  can  be  placed  upon  them  in  time  of  peril." 
Vide  Rebellion  Records,  Vol.  XXIII.,  p.  433. 


CHAPTER   X. 


The  Chickamauga  Campaign  and  Battle  of  Chickamauga. 

The  Fourteenth  Army  Corps  remained  substan 
tially  in  the  position  occupied  on  July  5th,  until  the 
7th.  The  Cavalry  and  several  divisions  of  the  other 
Corps  were  distributed  at  various  points  ready  to  push 
forward  with  the  advent  of  more  favorable  weather, 
the  incessant  rain  preventing  any  important  move 
ment.  On  the  latter  date  Negley's  Division  moved  five 
miles  to  Dec-herd,  a  station  on  the  railroad,  by  which 
when  repairs  should  be  completed,  supplies  could  be 
forwarded.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  w^ent  into 
camp  half  a  mile  from  the  village  on  high  rolling 
ground  and  as  usual  began  at  once  to  fix  up  quarters 
and  go  to  housekeeping.  The  rest  of  the  Brigade  and 
Division  camped  near  by  with  Brigade  headquarters 
in  a  fine  grove  of  oaks.  Further  dispatches  received 
fully  confirmed  our  first  news  of  the  great  victories 
in  the  East  and  South,  and  General  Rosecrans  ordered 
a  salute  of  thirty-five  guns  to  be  fired  from  every  bat 
tery  in  the  army.  As  it  resulted,  we  were  destined  to 
spend  a  much  longer  time  at  Decherd  than  any  one 
had  anticipated,  the  great  forward  movement  for  the 
reduction  of  Chattanooga  not  beginning  in  force  until 
August  16th.  However,  some  preliminary  steps  were 
taken  previous  to  that  date  by  the  occupation  of  Ste 
venson  and  Bridgeport,  Alabama,  both  on  the  rail 
road.  The  cavalry  was  pushed  out  and  kept  active 
in  the  meantime  on  the  flanks.  It  need  not  be  inferred 
that  the  army  because  in  camp  was  idle,  or  that  Gen 
eral  Rosecrans  had  settled  down  to  rest  on  laurels 
already  won.  Such  was  not  the  case  and  there  were 
good  reasons  for  the  delay,  although  General  Halleck 
from  his  office  in  Washington  urged  an  immediate 


102  '  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

advance.  Among  other  things  it  was  considered  neces 
sary  that  the  railroad  upon  which  the  army  depended 
for  supplies  should  be  repaired  and  opened  to  Bridge 
port;  that  the  corn  in  the  fields,  now  in  silk,  should 
be  ripe  enough  for  forage;  the  cavalry  arm  of  the  serv 
ice  recruited;  and  co-ordinate  movements  elsewhere 
be  arranged  in  support  of  ours.  Thus  while  General 
Rosecraus  was  working  day  and  night  to  forward  all 
those  measures  not  dependent  on  nature,  he  did  not 
desire  to  move  until  he  had  the  resources  in  hand  neces 
sary  to  insure  success  in  a  campaign  that  presented 
more  difficulties  and  was  more  hazardous  than  any 
preceding  ones  undertaken  by  any  army,  East  or  West, 
not  excepting  even  those  against  Richmond,  which 
had  failed  because  the  generals  who  conducted  them 
were  incompetent. 

While  waiting  for  further  developments  at  Decherd 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged  in  the 
usual  routine  of  camp  life,  such  as  guard  and  picket 
duty  and  drilling.  The  weather  became  settled  by  the 
10th,  which  rendered  life  in  the  shelter  tents  much 
more  pleasant,  and  in  order  to  add  further  to  their 
comfort  and  pleasure,  the  men  built  numerous  arbors 
over  the  quarters.  The  grounds  were  thoroughly 
policed  every  day  and  strict  sanitary  rules  enforced. 
The  sick  were  w^ell  taken  care  of  here  or  sent  to  the 
regular  hospitals  at  Nashville.  We  were  still  on  short 
rations,  but  as  though  Providence  had  provided  espe 
cially  for  us,  blackberries  were  now  ripe  and  the  entire 
army  feasted  upon  this  healthful  and  luscious  fruit, 
which  grew  in  inexhaustible  quantities  everywhere 
around  us.  Details  of  men  went  out  every  day  to 
gather  them.  No  soldier  could  ever  forget  this  fea 
ture  of  our  life  at  Decherd.  The  railroad  was  repaired 
to  Elk  River  on  the  13th,  and  the  supply  trains  rolled 
into  Decherd  soon  after,  much  to  the  joy  of  all,  as  it 
assured  full  rations  and  regular  mails  from  the  north. 
Also,  the  Brigade  baker,  who  had  a  contract — thanks 
to  the  Government — arrived  on  the  14th,  and  setting 
.up  his  oven,  supplied  us  with  soft  bread.  A  more 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  103 

Agreeable  surprise  occurred  on  the  21st,  when  a  United 
States  Paymaster  put  in  an  appearance.  He  became 
-at  once  a  Very  popular  man,  especially  after  disburs 
ing  four  months'  pay  to  the  men.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  sent  home  several  thousand  dollars  besides 
paying  off  sundry  Sutler's  bills. 

While  here  some  changes  took  place  in  the  Regi 
ment,  caused  by  the  resignations  of  Captains  Misner, 
Wadleigh  and  Howe,  and  Lieutenant  Tewksbury.  Their 
loss  was  regretted.  Captain  McKernan  had  resigned 
in  June;  Captain  Palmer,  Lieutenant  Simpson,  Lieu 
tenant  Haney,  Captain  Heslet,  and  Lieutenant  Web 
ber,  before  the  Regiment  left  Chicago,  making  in  all 
ten  resignations  from  the  line  officers  since  enlistment. 
These  were  followed  by  promotions.  In  addition, 
Assistant  Surgeon  Julius  A.  Freeman  resigned  July 
13th,  and  Hospital  Steward,  John  W.  Cuppy,  w^as  dis 
charged  August  1st,  and  succeeded  by  Luther  F. 
Slyder,  of  Company  K.  The  ranks  had  become  con 
siderably  reduced,  the  aggregate  loss  from  all  causes 
being  nearly  two  hundred  and  seventy  men  within  the 
.year  after  muster-in.  The  effective  strength  of  the 
Regiment  had  become  further  reduced  also  by  sick 
ness,  and  numbers  of  men  were  lying  in  different  hos 
pitals  from  Louisville  south,  together  with  many  who 
had  not  recovered  from  wounds  received  at  Hartsville. 

The  most  unpleasant  experience  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  at  Decherd,  and  yet  one  which  did 
not  cause  any  undue  excitement,  was  the  Court  Mar 
tial  of  Colonel  Moore  on  charges  preferred  by  Captain 
Wm.  H.  Collins,  of  Company  D.  It  is  believed  sufficient 
to  say  that  the  evidence  was  not  considered  strong 
enough  to  convict,  therefore  Colonel  Moore  was  acquit 
ted  and  continued  to  command  the  Regiment  until  his 
resignation  in  September.  Captain  Leighton,  who  had 
been  sick  in  Nashville  during  the  Tullahonia  campaign, 
with  some  others,  rejoined  the  command  about  the 
20th.  The  news  of  the  capture  of  John  Morgan  and 
the  defeat  of  his  famous  raiders  gave  eminent  satis 
faction  to  us  all.  He  had  found  campaigning  north 


104  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

of  the  Ohio  a  far  different  matter  from  raiding  on  his 
native  heath,  where  nearly  all  of  the  population  could 
be  relied  on  as  friendly  to  him.  An  unpleasant  sight 
occurred  on  the  21st,  when  a  soldier  of  the  Forty-sec 
ond  Indiana,  who  ran  away  at  Stone's  River,  had  his 
head  shaved  and  was  drummed  out  of  camp  to  the 
music  of  the  "Rogue's  March."  He  seemed  much  crest 
fallen  as  he  marched  along  in  the  presence  of  the  Bri 
gade,  and  was  sent  under  guard  to  Nashville  to  be 
confined  in  a  military  prison  during  the  war. 

When  the  month  of  August  arrived  there  was  a. 
general  expectation  of  orders  to  march,  and  the  army 
was  impatient  to  go.  It  was  known  that  General 
Bragg's  army  was  mainly  in  Chattanooga.  The  prob 
lem  presented  to  General  Rosecrans  of  how  to  best 
attack  Bragg  was  a  weighty  one,  well  calculated  to 
make  him  cautious,  but  while  still  maturing  his  plans 
of  campaign,  General  Halleck,  on  the  5th,  ordered  him 
to  move.  He  managed,  however,  except  some  minor 
movements,  to  delay  the  general  advance  a  little  longer. 
Doubtless  he  was  the  proper  judge,  and,  indeed,  when 
we  consider  the  difficulties  presented,  his  reasons 
appear  to  have  been  good  ones. 

The  position  of  Bragg's  army  was  far  different  from 
that  occupied  at  Tullahoma,  which  it  had  been  flanked 
out  of  with  comparative  ease.  Bragg  deemed  himself 
safe  from  direct  attack  in  front.  Besides  the  broad 
Tennessee,  he  was  protected  there  by  two  ranges  of 
high  mountains,  the  Cumberland  and  Walden's  Ridge, 
which  shut  in  the  river  and  abutting  on  it  prevented 
moving  along  the  north  bank  from  Bridgeport.  His 
flanks  were  equally  well  protected  not  only  by  the 
Tennessee,  but  on  the  left  by  the  Sand  and  Lookout 
Mountain  ranges,  which  an  invading  army  in  this 
direction  must  cross.  These  seemed  insuperable  ob 
stacles  to  Bragg.  His  right  flank  presented  the  same 
defenses  and  was  more  difficult  to  reach;  quite  inac 
cessible  to  our  line  of  communication  with  the  rear, 
and  destitute  of  water  and  forage.  By  any  of  the 
routes  named,  a  distance  of  from  100  to 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  105 

miles  must  be  traversed  by  Rosecraris'  army,, 
and  almost  continuously  over  mountains.  Not  only 
so,  but  rations  to  feed  the  army  must  be  taken  along,, 
while  the  artillery  and  ammunition  trains  Avere,  of 
course,  indispensable.  General  Rosecrans'  plan  of 
campaign  as  developed  and  prosecuted  to  a  conclu 
sion  that  secured  its  primary  object,  in  the  grandeur 
and  boldness  of  its  conception  and  execution,  was  one 
of  the  greatest  feats  of  strategy,  if  not  the  greatest, 
performed  during  the  whole  course  of  the  wrar.  Bold 
ness,  celerity  and  secrecy  were  the  chief  factors  of  suc 
cess,  and  the  very  audacity  of  the  scheme  and  of  each 
successive  step  in  it,  constantly  bewildered  and  de 
ceived  General  Bragg  until  it  was  too  late  for  him 
to  retrieve  his  errors.  General  Rosecrans  proposed  in 
brief  to  execute  a  grand  flank  movement  by  our  right 
across  the  Cumberlands  and  the  Tennessee  River, 
thence  over  Sand  and  Lookout  Mountains  to  Bragg's 
left  and  rear.  This,  if  successful,  would  make  Chat 
tanooga  untenable  or  oblige  Bragg  to  fight  there,  in 
which  latter  case  his  destruction  would  be  certain 
beyond  all  doubt;  for  although  not  gifted  with  much 
penetration,  General  Bragg  knew  that  if  the  Army  of 
the  Cumberland  once  obtained  a  foothold  on  his  left 
and  rear,  with  the  Tennessee  below  Chattanooga  and 
Lookout  Mountain  and  A^alley  in  its  possession,  his 
case  would  be  hopeless.  But  General  Bragg's  fore 
sight  prove  to  be  hindsight  and  therefore  he  did  not 
provide  against  such  a  contingency,  while  he  was 
deluded  by  Rosecrans  into  the  belief  that  he  intended 
to  attack  his  front  and  right  flank. 

Having  thus  outlined  briefly  the  situation  and  sa 
lient  points  of  the  campaign,  we  will  follow  again  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland  on  its  weary  marches  over 
rivers  and  mountains,  in  the  blazing  heat  of  a  southern 
sun,  and  amid  the  chilling  fever  breeding  dews  of  night, 
half  fed  and  half  slept,  until  having  accomplished  the 
great  flank  movement  and  captured  Chattanooga; 
flushed  with  success  and  perhaps  over  confident,  this 
invincible  army  wras  suddenly  checked  in  its  victori- 


106  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ous  career  on  the  field  of  Chickamauga!  The  prelim 
inary  signs  that  indicated  an  advance  extended  all 
along  from  the  5th  to  the  16th.  Some  brigades  moved; 
extra  rations  were  issued;  the  sick  sent  to  the  rear; 
arms  and  ammunition  were  inspected.  At  half  past 
four  on  the  morning  of  the  16th,  the  camp  fires  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  and  those  of  the  entire  army 
were  lighted  and  the  men  busy  in  cooking  the  last 
meal  previous  to  departure.  The  prompt  response  to 
roll-call  and  other  duties  showed  how  eager  all  were 
to  be  off.  There  was  a  rigid  inspection  of  arms  and 
cartridge  boxes.  The  knapsacks  were  packed  and  per 
mission  given  to  load  them  on  the  wagons,  as  the 
weather  was  very  hot.  When  all  was  ready  and  the 
Regiment,  Brigade  and  Division,  in  line,  a  long  delay 
occurred.  At  half -past  eleven  we  moved  off  in  the 
direction  of  Cowan,  a  station  at  the  base  of  the  moun 
tains.  Soon  after  a  rainstorm  accompanied  by  a  furi 
ous  wind  broke  upon  us,  the  thunder  and  lightning 
were  terrific  and  all  of  the-  red  artillery  of  heaven 
seemed  to  have  been  concentrated  in  one  single  local 
ity  directly  over  our  heads.  This  continued  one  hour, 
after  which  the  sun  came  out  and  shone  very  hot. 
Again  the  "Attention"  and  "Forward"  sounded,  and 
moving  on  we  reached  Cowan  at  three,  when  a  halt 
was  made  for  an  hour.  The  advance  was  then  resumed 
with  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  leading,  and  soon 
after  we  began  to  ascend  the  Cumberlands.  Looking 
up  far  above  us  appealed  the  summit  with  clouds  float 
ing  around.  By  the  road  it  was  two  miles  there,  but 
when  we  arrived  it  seemed  ten.  The  storm  had  dam 
aged  the  road  and  made  it  extremely  rough,  so  that 
the  horses  and  mules  were  unable  to  move  the  artil 
lery  and  wagons.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had 
to  assist,  but  it  was  twelve  o'clock  when  the  top  was 
attained,  and  we  went  into  bivouac  for  the  rest  of  the 
night. 

The  fog  clouds  were  dense  all  around  on  the  morn 
ing  of  the  17th,  when  the  march  was  resumed,  this 
time  down  hill  for  some  distance.  As  the  sun  rose 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  107 

higher  and  the  clouds  cleared  away  the  splendid  scen 
ery  of  mountain  and  valley  was  revealed  in  all  its 
beauty.  Having  descended  to  a  little  valley  a  halt  was 
made  for  breakfast.  This  did  not  occupy  much  time  and 
we  moved  on — the  Third  Brigade  in  advance.  Winding 
up  and  around  the  summit  of  another  mountain  by  a 
road  easier  than  the  last,  at  three  in  the  afternoon  we 
reached  Tantallon  in  the  valley,  and  went  into  camp  to 
await  the  arrival  of  the  wagon  train,  which  had  broken 
down  and  was  far  behind.  The  train  not  arriving  during 
the  night  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  sent  at 
three  on  the  morning  of  the  18th  to  look  it  up  and  pro 
cure  rations.  The  march  back  almost  to  the  top  of  the 
range  was  a  hard  one,  but  was  completed  soon  after  day 
light.  The  Regiment  having  secured  three  days'  rations 
and  also  taking  the  knapsacks  in  order  to  reduce  the 
loads  of  the  wagons,  countermarched  and  arrived  in 
camp  at  ten,  pretty  well  worn  out.  After  a  hasty  and 
luxurious  breakfast  of  hardtack  and  bacon,  the  Regi 
ment  fell  in  and  taking  the  advance,  resumed  the  march. 
The  day  was  intensely  hot,  the  road  dusty  and  many  suf 
fered  greatly,  causing  frequent  halts  for  rest.  We  moved 
along  the  Crow  Creek  valley  and  were  pleased  to  see 
plenty  of  corn  fields,  apple  and  peach  orchards.  Hay 
Ing  marched  some  four  miles  we  came  to  a  plantation 
where  stood  a  very  good  house,  and  near  by  was  a  large 
spring  of  pure  mountain  water,  an  article  we  wanted 
constantly,  one,  too,  far  superior  to  any  "Mountain  dew" 
known,  though  the  latter  was  never  thrown  away  when 
it  could  be  had.  After  an  hour's  rest  we  moved  on  and 
winding  around  the  spur  of  a  mountain  could  see  down 
the  valley  for  miles.  There  were  vast  corn  fields,  which 
Jiad  been  planted  by  Jeff  Davis'  orders  for  the  future  use 
of  rebel  armies,  he  never  anticipating,  that  the  hated 
'"Yankees"  were  to  harvest  those  fields,  yet  such  was  to 
be  the  fact,  and  the  Scripture  fulfilled,  "One  shall  sow 
;and  another  reap."  Passing  by  a  large,  fine  mansion  on 
the  road,  a  darky  was  asked  about  his  master.  He  re 
plied,  "Gone  wid  de  rebels,"  Toward  night  we  arrived 
rat  Anderson,  having  marched  eighteen  miles  under  a 


108  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

broili  ng  sun.  About  one-third  of  the  Brigade  had  fallen 
out  utterly  exhausted.  Colonel  Moore,  who  had  com 
manded  the  Brigade  since  we  started,  though  under 
orders  to  go  six  miles  further,  if  practicable,  decided  to 
camp  here  for  the  night.  After  a  rest,  ample  supplies 
were  drawn  from  the  adjoining  fields  for  men,  horses 
and  mules,  much  to  their  satisfaction,  if  not  that  of  "Jeff 
Davis  and  Company." 

On  the  morning  of  the  19th,  reveille  sounded  at  half 
past  three,  and  orders  were  issued  to  march  at  half  past 
four.  When  the  "Attention"  sounded  the  ranks  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  were  noticeably  thin,  as,  in 
deed,  were  those  of  the  other  regiments.  Leaving  all 
who  were  unable  to  walk  to  go  on  by  ambulance,  the 
Brigade  moving  on  down  the  valley  reached  Cave 
Spring  three  miles  from  Stevenson,  Alabama,  at  ten  in 
the  forenoon.  Fording  Crow  Creek  the  Regiment  w^ent 
into  camp  near  the  spring,  and  also  near  a  corn  field, 
which  was  well  harvested  in  a  few  hours  by  the  soldiers. 
We  had  now  passed  one  range  of  the  Cumberland  and 
could  see  before  us  a  few  miles  distant  the  outlines  of 
the  Tennessee  River,  a  stream  that  had  become  historic. 
Beyond  the  river  rose  in  majestic  grandeur  the  Sand 
Mountain  range,  standing  like  a  Avail  between  us  and 
the  enemy,  and  which  we  must  cross.  Around  the  camp 
and  on  each  side  of  Crow  Creek  perpendicular  masses 
of  rock  one  thousand  feet  high  shut  in  the  valley  and 
made  the  location  very  beautiful.  It  was  announced 
that  a  halt  of  a  few  days  would  be  made  here  in  order  to 
prepare  for  the  next  movement,  also  to  await  the  result 
of  other  combinations  and  maneuvers  then  being  exe 
cuted  elsewhere  as  a  part  of  General  Rosecrans'  daring- 
plans.  Meanwhile  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  rested 
quietly  in  camp  aAvaiting  the  order  to  march.  It  was 
rumored  that  several  of  the  officers  intended  to  resign 
soon.  Two  of  our  wagons  broken  down  on  the  moun 
tains,  were  rescued  by  William  H.  Conard  and  a  detail 
of  men  sent  back  for  the  purpose.  Sergeant  William  C. 
Ream,  of  Company  H,  received  his  commission  as  First 
Lieutenant  in  a  colored  regiment.  He  had  passed  a 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  109 

creditable  examination  before  the  board  of  which  Gen 
eral  Beatty  was  President.  The  weather  continuing 
very  hot  much  sickness — typhoid  in  character,  pre 
vailed,  thus  reducing  the  effective  force  of  the  Regiment 
ready  to  go  into  line  of  battle  to  about  330  men. 

BetWeen  the  25th  and  29th  all  of  the  signs  indicated 
that  our  righjt  and  center  would  soon  advance.  The 
pontoons  had  been  laid  across  the  river  at  four  different 
places  with  very  little  opposition.  This  was  due  to  the 
bold  strategic  movements  and  maneuvers  of  the  left  in 
front  of  Chattanooga,  which  had  begun  simultaneously 
with  those  of  the  Fourteenth  and  McCook's  corps.  At 
that  time  General  Rosecrans  had  directed  Critteuden 
to  march  with  Palmer's  and  Wood's  Divisions,  General 
Wilder's  Brigade  of  Reynolds'  Division,  Fourteenth 
Corps,  with  Colonel  Minty's  Brigade  of  Cavalry,  over 
the  mountains  into  the  Sequatchie  Valley.  This  move 
ment  was  promptly  executed,  and  Hazen's  and  Wag 
ner's  Brigades  of  Infantry  were  at  once  thrown  over 
Walden's  Ridge  in  front  of  Chattanooga,  where  Wilder 
and  Minty  joined  them.  The  entire  force  of  eight  thous 
and  men  was  then  judiciously  deployed  from  Williams 
Island — a  few  miles  below  the  city,  to  Kingston  above, 
but  much  pains  was  taken  to  make  a  large  display  in 
front  and  up  the  river.  The  hills  and  woods  effectually 
concealed  our  troops  and  enabled  the  commanders  to 
nuwe  them  from  point  to  point  and  thus  give  the  im 
pression  that  a  large  army  was  there.  To  add  further 
to  the  enemy's  delusion,  Wilder  shelled  the  city  most 
vigorously  from  Walden's  Ridge  and  the  heights  oppo 
site.  The  effect  of  all  this  on  the  rebels  was  as  desired ; 
the  greatest  alarm  prevailed  among  the  citizens  and 
had  a  retroflex  influence  on  Bragg  and  his  army.  But 
not  divining  the  true  meaning  of  this  show  Bragg  con 
cluded  that  Rosecrans'  whole  army  was  on  his  front  and 
right,  and  hastened  to  call  to  him  Buckner's  Corps  from 
Tennessee,  paying  no  attention  to  his  left.  Meantime, 
while  Wilder  was  amusing  and  deceiving  Bragg,  the 
main  army  had  proceeded  as  heretofore  indicated  and 
•concentrated  on  the  Tennessee  readv  to  cross.  The  Re- 


110  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

serve  Corps  under  General  Gordon  Granger,  had  moved 
in  the  rear  to  hold  our  line  of  communications  and  kept 
sufficiently  close  to  be  of  service  when  needed.  General 
Rosecrans,  whose  headquarters  were  at  the  front, 
learned  early  of  the  successful  execution  of  his  orders 
on  the  left  by  Crittenden's  Corps,  and  directing  Critten- 
den  to  move  his  main  force  down  the  Sequatchie  Valley 
and  across  the  river  at  Bridgeport  and  above,  he  gave 
the  order  for  the  right  and  center  to  advance.  The 
movement  was  commenced  by  General  Davis'  Division 
on  the  29th,  which  crossed  at  Caperton's  Ferry,  opposite 
Stevenson,  and  with  the  Cavalry  moved  on  over  Sand 
Mountain. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  moved  from  Cave 
Spring  on  Sunday,  the  30th,  into  Stevenson  and  went 
into  camp.  At  three  in  the  afternoon  of  September  1st, 
Negley's  Division,  with  Beatty's  Brigade  in  advance, 
took  up  the  line  of  inarch  for  Caperton's  Ferry,  and 
crossing  on  the  pontoon  bridge  at  five,  continued  on  up 
the  east  bank  of  the  river  until  midnight,  when  it  went 
into  bivouac  by  the  roadside.  At  eight  on  the  morning 
of  the  2nd,  we  moved  on  to  Moore's  Spring,  arriving  at 
one,  just  as  Sheridan's  Division  came  up.  General  Neg- 
ley  learning  that  water  was  very  scarce  ahead,  ordered 
the  Division  to  remain  here" for  the  night.  Johnson's 
and  Davis'  Divisions  and  the  cavalry  had  reached  Look 
out  Valley,  where  the  larger  part  of  the  army  was  di 
rected  to  concentrate  as  fast  as  the  river  and  mountains 
could  be  crossed. 

We  marched  early  on  the  3rd,  and  began  the  ascent 
of  the  Sand  Mountain  range.  But  it  was  seen  at  once 
that  this  was  to  be  no  easy  task.  The  road  had  been  un 
used  and  was  rough  and  steep.  The  delays  and  repairs 
were  constant.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  in 
advance  and  contributed  materially  to  the  work  of  help 
ing  the  transportation  up.  The  advance  reached  the 
summit  at  noon  and  remained  there  until  the  4th,  await 
ing  the  passage  of  the  trains.  There  was  no  water  to 
be  had  and  the  suffering  of  both  men  and  animals  was 
severe.  The  view  from  the  top  of  Sand  Mountain  well 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  Ill 

repaid  all  the  toil  in  getting  there.  The  borders  of  five 
States  could  be  seen,  three  immediately  near.  Far  be 
yond  mortal  vision  extended  one  vast  panorama  of 
mountains,  forests  and  rivers.  The  broad  Tennessee 
below  us  seemed  like  a  ribbon  of  silver;  beyond  rose  the 
Cumber] a nds,  which  we  had  crossed.  The  valley  on  both 
sides  was  alive  with  the  moving  armies  of  the  Union,, 
while  almost  the  entire  transportation  of  the  army  filled 
the  roads  and  fields  along  the  Tennessee.  No  one  could 
survey  the  grand  scene  on  that  bright  autumn  day  un 
moved,  unimpressed  with  its  grandeur,  and  of  the  mean 
ing  conveyed  by  the  presence  of  that  mighty  host.  Some 
time  after  dark  the  last  of  Negley's  Division  and  trains 
reached  the  summit  without  loss  except  to  the  Division 
Sutler,  whose  wagon  tumbled  over  at  a  narrow  place 
scattering  his  goods  along  the  mountain  side.  Sutlers 
as  a  general  thing  were  not  regarded  with  especial  favor 
by  the  army,  and  yet  seemed  to  be  a  kind  of  necessary 
nuisance.  This  one  appealed  to  the  boys  to  help  him 
carry  up  his  broken  goods.  Many  of  them  readily  re 
sponded  and  no  doubt  paid  themselves  well  for  the  ad 
ditional  labor  involved,- at  least  quite  a  number  were 
seen  afterward  smoking  very  good  cigars  and  regal 
ing  themselves  on  canned  lobster,  oysters,  etc.  During 
the  day  SirwelPs  Brigade  had  been  sent  on  to  build  a 
bridge  across  a  canon;  this  was  completed  at  eleven 
p.  m.,  and  was  one  hundred  and  eleven  feet  long  and 
twenty  feet  high.  Other  Abridges  were  repaired  and  the 
roads  made  passable. 

The  whole  of  the  4th  w^as  occupied  in  crossing  and 
descending  the  mountain.  At  night  but  little  of  the 
transportation  was  down  and  but  two  regiments  of  our 
Brigade.  The  day's  march  had  been  hard  on  men  and 
animals.  When  night  came  all  were  glad  to  rest  where 
they  halted. 

The  5th  was  spent  in  bringing  up  the  transportation 
and  moving  the  Division  a  few  miles  to  Brown's  Spring 
in  the  valley.  SirwelPs  Brigade  went  on  a  short  recoii- 
noissance  toward  Lookout  and  brought  back  some 
flour  captured  at  a  mill. 


112  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

On  the  6th  the  entire  Division  moved  up  Johnson's 
Crook  (valley)  leaving  camp  at  ten.  The  Lookout  range 
appeared  on  our  left.  Beatty's  Brigade  in  advance, 
reached  McKay's  Spring  at  five.  The  balance  of  the  Di 
vision  camped  on  Lookout  Creek  in  the  rear.  We  now 
lay  near  the  foot  of  Steven's  Gap  (pass)  of  Lookout 
Mountain.  After  arrival  that  evening  the  Forty-second 
Indiana  was  sent  on  a  reconuoissance  up  the  Gap,  and 
had  only  gone  a  short  distance  when  it  was  fired  upon 
by  the  enemy,  who  seemed  to  be  concealed  behind  trees. 
One  man  was  severely  wounded.  The  object  being  ac 
complished,  that  is,  to  develop  the  enemy,  the  Regiment 
withdrew.  The  writer  accompanied  this  recounoissance. 
The  evening  of  the  6th  closed  with  almost  the  entire 
army  concentrated  in  Lookout  valley,  extending  from 
a  point  at  the  north  end  only  seven  miles  from  Chatta 
nooga,  to  Valley  Head  on  the  south,  thirty-five  miles 
distant.  The  enemy  still  held  Lookout  Mountain, 
which  towered  two  thousand  feet  above  us  and  was  in 
accessible  except  by  two  or  three  passes.  These  as 
events  proved  had  been  left  practically  undefended, 
thus  showing  how  little  Bragg  looked  for  Roeecrans  in 
that  direction.  To  gaze  upon  those  rugged  heights  one 
would  suppose  that  a  few  thousand,  or  even  a  few 
hundreds,  of  men  could  have  easily  beaten  back  an 
army.  No  one  on  the  evening  of  the  6th  anticipated  but 
what  the  possession  of  the  passes  would  be  disputed  to 
the  last  extremity.  Such  w"as  the  situation,  and  all 
looked  forward  to  the  morrow  as  full  of  promise  for 
some  very  lively  fighting.  To  capture  Chattanooga  from 
our  left  by  passing  around  the  point  of  Lookout  was 
thought  impracticable,  as  it  abutted  so  closely  on  the 
river  as  barely  to  leave  room  for  the  railroad,  and,  in 
deed,  for  a  part  of  the  way  the  roadbed  had  been  made 
by  blasting  away  the  solid  lime  stone  rock — there  form 
ing  palisades  one  hundred  feet  high.  The  point  2,100 
feet  above  and  the  intervening  space  below  were  held 
by  the  enemy.  General  Rosecrans  determined  to  leave 
Crittenden  to  threaten  Chattanooga  on  the  left,  and 
marching  with  the  center  and  right  over  Lookout  by  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  113 

passes  in  their  front,  seize  Chattanooga  Valley  directly 
in  Bragg's  rear.  This  movement,  if  successful,  would 
force  matters  to  a  decisive  issue.  Accordingly  orders 
were  issued  for  the  Tth,  having  these  objects  in  view. 
Early  that  morning  Beatty's  Brigade  began  the  ad 
vance  in  line  of  battle  up  the  mountain  by  Steven's 
Pass.  It  was  some  three  miles  to  the  top,  and  advanc 
ing  by  the  front  was  a  different  and  more  difficult  task 
than  moving  in  column  along  the  road.  We  had  ex 
pected  opposition,  but  beyond  a  few  stray  shots  none 
was  made.  At  eleven  we  stood  on  the  summit  with  our 
artillery,  which  the  men  helped  to  get  up,  without  the 
loss  of  a  man.  It  was  learned  from  some  cracker  resi 
dents  on  the  mountain  that  only  cavalry  had  been  on 
guard  at  the  pass,  and  they  took  good  care  to  leave  in 
time.  The  other  brigades  following  closely  arrived  on 
top  at  twelve  and  three  o'clock.  The  transportation  oc 
cupied  that  day  and  the  next  in  getting  up,  the  Brigade 
marching  half  way  across  Lookout,  bivouacked  for  the 
night.  After  the  arduous  labors  of  the  last  three  weeks 
the  command  was  well  tired,  but  in  high  spirits  over 
the  success  thus  far  achieved,  regarding  Chattanooga  as 
within  our  grasp  and  the  defeat  of  Bragg  certain  should 
he  choose  to  fight.  While  we  had  thus  gained  a  foot 
hold  so  easily  on  the  key  to  Bragg's  position,  Harker's 
Brigade  had  spent  the  day  in  demonstrating  on  the  left 
around  the  point  of  Lookout  and  discovered  the  enemy 
in  strong  force.  The  Twentieth  Army  Corps  did  not 
move  on  the  Tth. 

Pursuant  to  General  Rosecrans'  orders  an  advance 
was  made  along  the  whole  line  on  the  8th.  Beatty's  Bri 
gade  leaving  at  four  a.  m.  marched  to  Cooper's  Gap.  The 
rest  of  the  division  moved  to  Steven's  Gap.  (Also  called 
Frick's  Gap.)  General  Rosecrans  having  information 
from  various  sources,  such  as  deserters,  citizens,  and 
scouts,  that  Bragg  was  evacuating  Chattanooga,  di 
rected  the  movements  of  the  day  accordingly.  General 
Davis,  of  McCook's  Corps,  on  the  right,  crossed  Lookout 
with  two  brigades  in  support  of  the  cavalry  then  ope 
rating  toward  LaFayette  on  Bragg's  probable  line  of 


114  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

retreat.  General  Xegley  arriving  near  Steven's  Gap 
spent  the  day  in  removing  the  rocks  and  trees  that  ob 
structed  the  road,  and  at  night  bivouacked  in  the  vicin 
ity.  The  First  Brigade  (Beatty's)  reached  Cooper's  Gap 
about  eight  a.  in.  and  rested  a  short  time.  From  this 
point  we  had  a  grand  view  of  the  Chattanooga  valley, 
which  lay  two  thousand  feet  below  us.  We  were  in 
Georgia,  and  looking  north  could  almost  see  Chatta 
nooga  about  twenty-two  miles  distant.  On  the  opposite 
side  of  the  valley  the  mountains  of  Georgia,  Tennessee 
and  North  Carolina  rose  before  our  eyes  in  vast  succes 
sions  of  range  upon  range,  peak  upon  peak,  their  sides 
terraced  with  the  verdure  of  autumn.  Two  or  three 
miles  east  we  discovered  meandering  through  the  valley 
Chickamauga  Creek,  that  name  having  been  given  it  by 
the  Indians,  and  meaning  in  our  language,  "The  river  of 
death."  Such,  indeed,  it  proved  to  be  a  few  days  later. 
Just  beyond,  Pigeon  Mountain  was  in  sight. 

While  we  stood  in  admiration — gazing  upon  the  new 
and  surpassing  beauties  of  nature  on  every  hand, 
another  sight  of  vital  import  arrested  attention.  Clouds 
of  dust  were  noticed  in  the  valley  a  few  miles  in  our 
front.  On  examining  these  closely  with  field  glasses,  we 
saw  long  lines  of  soldiers  and  trains  of  wagons  mov 
ing  southward.  It  was  Bragg's  army  in  retreat.  Cour 
iers  were  at  once  dispatched  to  Negiey  with  the  infor 
mation.  The  Brigade  was  then  set  in  motion  down  the 
mountain.  There  were  some  obstructions,  but  these 
were  soon  removed.  On  arriving  at  the  base,  Company 
II  had  a  skirmish  with  rebel  cavalry  and,  having  the 
advantage,  being  above  and  well  protected,  soon  drove 
it  off,  the  rebels  leaving  one  man  severely  wounded ;  two 
also,  were  captured,  together  with  some  sabres  and 
other  arms.  The  Regiment  and  Brigade  followed 
closely  ready  to  support  the  skirmishers.  But  the  rebels 
had  discovered  our  strength  and  had  no  doubt  been 
posted  there  to  observe  and  report  our  approach.  As 
Beatty's  Brigade  was  the  first  and  only  force  yet  in  the 
valley  and  the  enemy  lay  within  three  miles  distance. 
General  Beatty  prudently  halted  and,  throwing  out  a 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  115 

strong  picket  line,  went  into  bivouac.  For  twenty-four 
hours  following  we  were  isolated  from  support,  should 
an  attack  be  made.  But  though  numbering  only  some 
twelve  hundred  men  and  a  section  of  a  battery,  our  ad 
vantage  of  position  would  have  enabled  us  to  repel  any 
attack  by  far  superior  numbers.  Vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol. 
XXX.,  pp.  326-367. 

General  Rosecrans  was  notified  at  half  past  three  on 
the  morning  of  the  9th  that  Chattanooga  had  been 
evacuated.  General  Wagner,  whose  troops  lay  on  the 
north  bank  opposite,  became  convinced  on  the  8th  that 
the  rebel  army  was  leaving.  General  Wilder,  who,  with 
his  mounted  infantry,  had  patroled  the  river  for  thirty 
miles  above,  during  the  campaign,  and  was  then  seven 
miles  from  the  town,  was  also  satisfied  of  the  fact. 
Therefore,  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  Wagner  crossed 
his  troops  over  and  took  possession,  the  colors  of  the 
Ninety-seventh  Ohio  being  the  first  planted  on  the  rebel 
defenses.  At  a  later  hour  the  rest  of  Crittenden's  Corps 
marched  around  Lookout  Point  and  into  the  city  and  val 
ley.  And  thus  fell  without  a  battle — the  rebel  strong 
hold,  the  key  to  Georgia  and  the  inner  South;  the  object 
of  the  National  thoughts,  efforts  and  solicitude  for  one 
long  year.  This  had  been  the  goal  for  which  Buell  had 
feebly  reached,  and  which  General  Rosecrans  by  the  ex 
ercise  of  superior  generalship,  had  obtained  in  the  face 
of  difficulties  and  discouragements,  before  which  a 
feebler  genius  would  have  recoiled  in  dismay. 

The  effect  produced  on  the  army  by  the  fall  of  Chat 
tanooga  was  electrical.  The  retreat  of  Bragg  was  con 
sidered  such  evidence  of  weakness  that  the  pursuit  and 
defeat  or  capture  of  his  army,  now  occupied  the 
thoughts  of  all.  The  authorities  in  Washington  who 
had  been  trembling  with  anxiety  for  the  safety  of  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  watching  for  the  de 
nouement  of  what  was  considered  a  bold  and  perilous 
undertaking  and  one,  too,  which  they  had  not  properly 
supported,  elated  beyond  measure,  urged  a  further  ad 
vance.  If  General  Rosecrans  had  been  averse  to  this  he 
would  have  had  no  discretion.  At  all  events,  the  move- 


116  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ments  of  the  9th  were  ordered  to-be  pushed  with  vigor 
against  the  enemy  from  right  to  left,  a  distance  of  forty 
to  forty-five  miles. 

The  First  Brigade  passed  the  night  of  the  8th  with 
out  any  alarm,  and  on  the  9th  marched  south  three 
miles  to  the  foot  of  Steven's  Gap,  where  at  four  p.  m. 
Negley's  Division  having  come  down,  the  whole  force 
moved  by  a  rough  narrow  road  through  a  lane,  one  mile 
to  Bailey's  Cross  Koads.  This  was  found  to  be  a  mere 
hamlet  of  a  few  log  houses,  situated  in  the  midst  of 
dense  woods  and  surrounded  by  rocky  knolls.  On  a 
large  oak  tree  was  noticed  a  sign  board  with  the  legend, 
"To  Chattanooga  23  miles."  Thirty  years  later,  the 
writer  revisited  this,  and  other  places  in  the  vicinity, 
and  saw  what  were  evidently  the  same  log  houses  and 
sign  board,  there  seemed  to  have  been  no  change.  Gen 
eral  Negley,  halting  the  main  command  for  the  night, 
sent  forward  Stanley's  Brigade  at  five  p.  in.  on  a  re- 
connoissance  eastward  in  the  direction  of  Dug  Gap. 
Stanley  marched  nearly  there,  a  distance  of  three  miles, 
but  constantly  met  and  skirmished  with  rebel  cavalry, 
of  which  two  were  captured  in  a  charge  by  Negley's 
mounted  escort.  Stanley  then  withdrew.  During  the 
day,  Crittenden's  Corps  on  the  left,  except  Wagner's 
Brigade,  had  marched  rapidly  up  the  valley  toward 
Kinggold,  in  Bragg's  rear.  McCook  on  the  right  had  ad 
vanced  in  the  direction  of  Alpine  to  intercept  Bragg. 
None  of  the  three  corps  were  within  supporting  dis 
tance  of  each  other,  McCook''s  being  twenty  miles  from 
the  Fourteenth  and  separated  also  by  high  mountains. 
If  McCook  had  attempted  to  join  by  the  front  he  would 
have  met  Bragg's  whole  army  and  have  been  crushed, 
he  could  only  effect 'a  junction  with  Thomas  by  re- 
crossing  the  mountains  twice,  and  this  is  what  he  did  a 
few  days  later.  Crittenden  was  as  far  away  as  McCook, 
but  had  the  advantage  of  being  in  the  valley  with  better 
roads  to  traverse.  The  Fourteenth  Corps — the  center, 
was  the  key  in  the  arch,  and  the  reliance  of  all.  Such 
was  the  situation  on  the  evening  of  the  9th.  General 
Rosecrans  evidently  believed  that  Bragg  would  con- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  117 

tinue  to  retreat  and  based  his  orders  for  the  10th  on  that 
assumption.  Had  he  known  what  was  transpiring 
around  the  camp  fire  of  General  Bragg,  he  would  have 
issued  orders  of  a  different  kind.  Another  day  was  re 
quired  to  reveal  the  intentions  of  the  rebel  commander. 
On  Thursday,  the  10th,  in  pursuance  of  orders,  Neg- 
ley's  Division  resumed  the  inarch  toward  LaFayette 
via  Davis  Cross  Koads,  two  miles  or  more  southeast 
from  Bailey's.  No  other  troops  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps 
had  as  yet  come  into  the  valley — here  called  McLe- 
More's  Cove.  SirwelPs  Brigade  (the  Third)  led  the  ad 
vance,  and  from  the  first  did  more  or  less  skirmishing 
with  the  rebel  cavalry.  The  road  was  through  dense 
woods,  over  several  hiils,  and  was  rocky  and  rough  part 
of  the  way.  Beatty's  Brigade  guarded  the  train  of  four 
hundred  wagons,  through  to  Davis'.  On  arriving  at  the 
latter  point  the  train  was  parked.  From  Davis'  to 
Chickamauga  Creek  (below  called  river)  the  road  led 
through  a  narrow  lane  with  stone  walls  on  either  side, 
the  distance  to  the  creek  being  about  sixty  rods,  and 
thence  across  the  stream  to  Dug  Gap;  the  entrance  to 
this  gorge  in  Pigeon  Mountain  was  not  over  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  from  the  creek.  Parallel  with  the  latter, 
which  at  this  point  ran  northward,  a  solid  stone  wall 
guarded  the  John  Davis  plantation  of  five  hundred 
acres.  During  the  advance  so  much  opposition  had 
been  shown  that  Negley  became  cautious  on  approach 
ing  Dug  Gap,  and  disposed  his  command  in  the  best  po 
sitions  to  be  found.  He  learned  from  a  Union  citizen  at 
one-thirty  p.  m.  that  his  suspicions  were  correct,  and 
that  Buckner's  Corps  with  cavalry  and  artillery  was  ad 
vancing  from  Catlett's  Gap  of  Pigeon  Mountain,  three 
miles  below,  with  the  intention  of  coming  in  on  our  left 
and  rear.  Dispositions  were  made  at  once  to  defeat  this 
attempt.  It  w^as  now  late  in  the  afternoon,  and  to  im 
press  the  enemy  a  strong  demonstration  was  made 
against  Dug  Gap,  driving  back  the  rebel  skirmishers 
and  disclosing  heavy  forces  behind.  One  object  was  to 
establish  the  picket  line  well  up  to  that  of  the  rebels  in 
the  Gap,  and  this  was  done.  The  troops  were  then 


118  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

bivouacked  under  arms  on  the  rocky  ridges  around 
Davis'  house  to  the  right,  front  and  left.  Subsequently 
at  a  late  hour,  the  picket  line  was  quietly  drawn  back 
to  a  new  position.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  lay 
near  Davis'  house.  During  the  night  Negley  received 
additional  news  from  Union  men  and  his  scouts,  to  the 
effect  that  one-half  of  the  whole  rebel  army  lay  within 
two  miles  of  our  camp,  concealed  by  Pigeon  Mountain, 
and  intending  to  attack  and  destroy  Negley's  Division 
in  the  morning.  They  stated  that  immediately  in  front 
was  Hill's  Corps  of  three  divisions — twelve  brigades; 
to  the  left  Buckner's  Corps  of  two  divisions,  and  For 
rest's  cavalry — two  divisions ;  while  Polk  and  Brecken- 
ridge's  Corps  were  writhin  supporting  distance.  Such 
was  the  situation  in  front  of  Negley  on  the  night  of  the 
10th,  and  it  may  be  conjectured  that  the  General  and 
his  staff  did  not  sleep  very  soundly,  if  at  all. 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth,  about  eight,  all  were 
much  relieved  by  the  arrival  of  General  Baird  with  the 
First  and  Second  Brigades  of  the  First  Division  (Stark 
weather's  and  Scribner's).  These  troops  were  put  in  po 
sition  at  once.  About  this  time  General  Thomas, 
whose  headquarters  were  at  Steven's  Gap,  made  his  ap 
pearance  with  his  staff  and  escort  for  the  purpose  of 
looking  over  the  ground.  Every  soldier  knew  that  we 
were  in  a  critical  position,  but  the  presence  of  the  loved 
and  trusted  Commander  of  the  Fourteenth  Army  Corps 
gave  confidence  to  all.  General  Thomas  had  some  tent 
flys  pitched  in  Davis'  meadow  and  sat  down  to  business 
as  undisturbed  and  impassive  as  the  craggy  mountains 
around.  These  temporary  headquarters  were  not  re 
moved  for  some  hours  and  until  shot  and  shell  were  fly 
ing  thick  and  fast.  The  writer  having  seen  no  men 
tion  of  General  Thomas'  presence  there  in  any  report  or 
history,  and  being  sent  to  General  Thomas'  headquar 
ters,  moreover,  having  been  impressed  with  his  appear 
ance  at  that  time,  records  the  facts  stated  as  a  part  of 
the  history  of  the  day's  events.  About  nine  there  were 
signs  of  the  enemy's  advance.  A  scout  coming  in,  re 
ported  that  the  obstructions  in  Dug,  Blue  Bird  and  Cat- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  119 

lett's  Gaps,  which  Bragg  had  placed  there,  had  been  re 
moved  and  the  rebel  advance  begun. 

General  Negley  (no  doubt  under  orders  from  General 
Thomas),  deciding  that  our  position  was  untenable  with 
the  forces  in  hand,  prepared  to  retreat  to  Bailey's  Cross 
Roads  and  Steven's  Gap.  Meantime,  during  the  fore 
noon,  heavy  columns  of  the  rebels  could  be  seen  ap 
proaching,  the  nearest  being  those  from  Dug  Gap.  Their 
sharpshooters  soon  struck  Sirw  ell's  Brigade,  but  Ihis 
occupied  an  excellent  position  well  protected,  and  as  the 
rebel  main  line  came  nearer,  poured  in  an  effective  fire 
that  caused  them  to  halt.  Sirwell  lost  here,  three  killed 
and  twenty  wounded.  Then,  being  relieved  by  Stark 
weather's  Brigade,  Sirwell  quietly  withdrew  to  the 
ridge  at  Davis;  Bridge's  Battery  of  Beatty's  Brigade, 
stationed  in  Davis'  orchard  or  garden,  did  some  effective 
work  at  that  time.  It  was  then  twelve,  and  there  was  a 
lull  in  the  operations  for  a  short  time.  A  rebel  battery 
had  been  playing  on  our  lines  at  Davis,  but  without 
doing  much  damage,  except  to  the  residence,  which  was 
a  very  good  one  of  the  better  class  seen  on  Southern 
plantations,  and  to  the  feelings  of  Mrs.  John  Davis,  who 
was  an  excellent  rebel,  and  vowed  she  wrould  never  leave 
the  premises.  But  after  enduring  the  crash  and  roar  of 
the  shells  for  a  while,  taking  her  two  small  boys  by  the 
hand  she  decided  to  evacuate  the  house.  The  writer 
chancing  just  then  to  be  passing  wras  appealed  to  and 
advised  her  in  warm  terms  to  get  behind  the  hills.  She 
stood  not  on  the  order  of  her  going,  but  went  at  once. 
The  vision  of  those  two  bright,  young  boys  comes  before 
me  now.  About  one  p.  m.  heavy  columns  of  cavalry 
were  visible  marching  through  the  fields  to  our  left.  A 
battery  was  turned  upon  them.  The  immense  train  of 
four  hundred  wagons  containing  all  of  our  ammunition 
and  supplies  was  by  this  time  got  ready,  and  escorted 
by  Beatty's  and  Scribner's  Brigades,  moved  toward 
Bailey's  Cross  Roads.  Their  preservation  was  as  im 
portant  as  that  of  the  divisions  in  front.  On  the  road 
the  cavalry  endeavored  to  break  in,  but  were  unable  to 


120  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

do  so,  owing  to  the  activity  and  skill  of  General  Beatty, 
who  commanded.  The  rebels,  however,  had  thrown  one 
regiment  forward  to  Bailey's,  which  retreated  on  our 
approach.  This  movement  was  very  slow  and  made 
with  caution.  From  Bailey's  it  was  continued  after 
'dark  to  Steven's  Gap.  While  the  trains  were  being- 
started  and  en  route,  lively  work  was  going  on  in  front, 
the  other  brigades  of  Negley's  and  those  of  Baird  being 
hotly  engaged  around  Davis.  Negley  planting  ten  guns 
on  the  ridge  shelled  the  enemy  with  good  effect.  Colonel 
Stanley  commanding  the  Second  Brigade  took  position 
to  the  right  and  drove  back  the  rebels  with  musketry  as 
they  approached  the  creek.  Starkweather  was  on  the 
left.  Four  companies  of  the  Nineteenth  Illinois,  and 
one  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Illinois,  lay  behind  the  stone 
wall  by  the  creek,  and  as  the  enemy  advanced  almost  to 
the  ford,  rose  suddenly,  as  from  the  ground,  and  poured 
in  a  volley  that  sent  them  reeling  to  the  rear.  Thirty 
rebels  fell  dead  at  the  first  fire.  How  many  were 
wounded  is  unknown.  Our  batteries  on  the  ridge  firing 
over  the  infantry  did  fearful  execution.  The  rebel  ad 
vance  was  then  thoroughly  checked  for  a  time  and 
Stanley's  command  withdrawn  nearer  to  Davis.  Stan 
ley's  loss  was  five  killed,  twenty-nine  wounded,  and  four 
missing.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  never  known  posi 
tively,  but  must  have  been  heavy  as  they  exposed  them 
selves  with  reckless  confidence,  knowing  the  strength 
opposed  to  them.  It  was  then  after  three  o'clock  and 
though  repulsed  on  the  right,  Buckner's  Corps  was 
steadily  moving  in  on  the  left  within  short  range,  when 
terrific  firing  began  on  both  sides,  in  which  our  troops 
had  the  advantage  of  position,  but  Negley  knowing  that 
they  would  soon  charge  in  overpowering  numbers,  with 
drew  slowly  from  one  hill  to  another,  covering  every 
movement,  until  after  dark  he  reached  Bailey's.  Under 
further  orders  the  trains  had  gone  on  to  the  foot  of  the 
Gap  and  were  parked  in  rear  of  a  line  of  hills  in  the  val 
ley.  The  entire  Division,  also  Baird's,  was  then  placed 
near  the  Gap  in  as  good  positions  as  could  be  obtained 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  121 

in  the  darkness.  There  we  were  joined  by  the  divisions 
of  Brannan  and  Reynolds,  which  had  just  arrived,  and 
General  Thomas  took  command  in  person. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  during  the  day  had 
one  man  wounded,  and  one,  William  R.  Eyster,  of  Com 
pany  D,  missing;  he  was  probably  killed  in  the  thick 
woods,  as  he  was  a  sharpshooter.  M.  Kirkpatrick  had 
his  collar  shot  awa^by  a  minie  ball.  During  the  night 
the  Regiment  and  Brigade  placed  along  the  hills,  threw 
up  some  slight  defenses  of  timber  and  rails,  which  were 
further  strengthened  at  early  dawn  of  the  12th.  Gen 
eral  Beatty  and  staff  spent  almost  the  entire  night  in 
the  saddle  posting  picket  lines  and  preparing  for  attack, 
which  was  deemed  certain  to  be  made  in  the  morning. 
Not  a  moment  was  spent  in  sleep.  At  three  a.  m.,  Com- 
missary-Orr  surprised  our  headquarters  by  producing  a 
bottle  of  wine.  General  Beatty  remarked,  "Well,  let's 
drink ;  we  may  not  be  able  to  a  few  hours  later." 

Sunday,  the  12th,  dawned  bright  and  warm,  but  con 
trary  to  expectation,  no  enemy  appeared,  and  the  cav 
alry  soon  after  reported  that  they  had  withdrawn  to 
Dug  Gap.  This  unlooked-for  event,  though  a  surprise, 
was  not  unwelcome  as  all  were  thoroughly  worn  out  and 
needed  rest.  General  Rosecrans  received  a  telegram 
from  General  Halleck  at  Washington,  dated  September 
11,  which  stated  among  other  things  that  rebel  desert 
ers  had  come  in  and  reported  Bragg  as  sending  rein 
forcements  to  Lee.  Vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol.  XXX,  p.  34. 
This  was  only  a  rebel  ruse,  but  Halleck  did  not  seem  to 
discredit  it. 

The  writer  has  dwelt  at  considerable  length  on  the 
action  at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  for  the  reason  that  in  all 
the  general  histories  the  affair  has  been  hardly  more 
than  mentioned,  and  only  in  a  general  way,  without  giv 
ing  details  of  what-  was  a  formidable  fight,  while  the 
skill  with  which  General  Negley,  aided  by  Baird,  his 
junior,  commanded  and  extricated  the  division  from 
their  perilous  position,  and  the  steady  valor  of  the 
soldiers,  who  could  see  that  they  were  facing  over- 


122  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

whelming  numbers,  have  been  barely  alluded  to.  There 
is,  also,  another  reason.  This  was  the  turning  point  in 
the  campaign  begun  June  24th,  nearly  three  months 
previous,  the  preliminary  opening  of  the  Battle  of 
Chickamauga,  fought  a  few  days  later. 

The  action  uncovered  Bragg's  designs.  It  was 
learned  soon  after  that  he  had  issued  orders  for  an  ad 
vance  in  force  on  the  10th,  against  Negley,  but  owing  to 
a  misunderstanding  on  the  part  of  his  Generals — Hill 
and  Hindman,  and  the  heavy  obstructions  he  had 
placed  in  the  gaps,  there  was  a  day's  delay.  This  saved 
Negley,  as  no  other  forces  were  then  down  the  moun 
tain.  It,  also,  probably  saved  Crittenden,  who,  on  tlte 
llth,  advanced  to  Ringgold  in  the  valley,  preceded  by 
Wilder  and  Minty,  who  drove  out  the  enemy  and  then 
went  as  far  as  Tunnel  Hill.  These  forces,  in  fact,  passed 
the  right  flank  of  a  part  of  Bragg's  army,  and  saw  the 
rebels  on  every  road.  But  the  attention  of  the  rebel 
commander  being  absorbed  with  the  movement  against 
Negley,  he  neglected  Crittenden. 

During  the  day  the  movements  on  the  right  con 
vinced  McCook  that  he  could  not  reach  LaFayette,  nor 
connect  with  Thomas  east  of  Lookout.  The  experience 
of  the  Fourteenth  Corps  was  almost  conclusive  evident* 
that  Bragg  had  been  reinforced,  had  done  retreating, 
and  was  determined  to  bring  on  a  battle.  General  Rose- 
crans  grasping  the  situation  and  consulting  with 
Thomas,  at  once,  on  the  night  of  the  llth,  took  meas 
ures  for  the  concentration  of  the  three  corps.  Couriers 
sent  to  McCook,  who  remained  inactive  on  the  12th,  did 
not  reach  him  until  midnight  of  that  date.  He  at  once 
set  his  Corps  in  motion,  and  being  obliged  to  return  by 
way  of  Valley  Head,  had  to  cross  and  recross  the  moun 
tain  twice  in  order  to  reach  Thomas.  This  movement 
required  four  days  for  its  execution.  Crittenden  was 
reached  easier,  but  being  then  beyond  Ringgold  with 
Wilder  and  infantry  in  advance,  had  to  wait  for  their 
return.  This  delayed  his  moving  northwest,  nearer 
Thomas,  and  on  the  12th,  when-  he  marched,  he 
was  confronted  with  two  rebel  corps  sent  by  Bragg, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  12a 

who,  having  failed  to  crush  Negley,  resolved  to  destroy 
Crittenden. 

The  safety  of  the  army  and  Chattanooga  was  in 
volved  in  this  movement.  But  surprising  as  it  may 
seem,  no  battle  ensued,  though  skirmishing  was  carried 
on  all  day,  and  Wilder  had  a  severe  engagement  at 
Leet's  Tanyard,  with  a  loss  of  thirty  killed  and  wounded. 
The  enemy  lost  fifty.  The  Corps  reached  Lee  and  Gor 
don's  Mills  on  the  Chickamauga  in  safety,  where  Wood 
lay  with  his  division.  The  Fourteenth  Corps  lay  quiet 
on  the  12th,  awaiting  developments  and  movements 
elsewhere.  It  was  necessary  also  to  wait  for  McCook. 

General  Rosecrans  aware  of  Crittenden's  critical  po 
sition  gave  him  orders  accordingly.  General  Crittenden 
expecting  an  attack  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  fortu 
nately  so  disposed  his  forces  as  completely  to  deceive 
General  Polk,  who  commanded  the  two  rebel  corps  sent 
to  crush  him.  He  began  aggressive  movements  on  his 
front  and  left,  and  sent  General  Van  Cleve  out  on  the 
LaFayette  road  with  one  brigade.  General  Van  Cleve 
soon  meeting  the  rebel  advance  drove  it  back  three  and 
a  half  miles.  General  Polk,  happily  for  Crittenden, 
halted  and  sent  to  Bragg  for  reinforcements.  The  lat 
ter,  perplexed  and  vacillating,  then,  to  the  surprise  and 
joy  of  Crittenden,  withdrew  Folk's  Corps  and  gave  new 
orders  for  the  concentration  of  his  army  on  the  Chicka 
mauga.  General  Rosecrans  was  kept  informed  by  cour 
iers  as  to  McCook's  movements  and  it  may  be  supposed, 
awaited  his  approach  with  as  much  anxiety  as  did  Wel 
lington  that  of  Blucher  at  the  Battle  of  Waterloo. 

It  was  still  possible  for  Bragg  to  crush  or  drive  off 
Crittenden  and  seize  the  roads  to  Chattanooga,  when 
nothing  would  intervene  north  but  three  brigades  of 
the  Reserve  Corps,  then  supposed  to  be  at  Rossville,  five 
miles  from  the  city.  With  these  threatening  possibili 
ties  in  view,  General  Rosecrans  ordered  (Crittenden  with 
two  divisions  to  move  west  on  the  14th,  so  as  to  cover 
the  roads  in  the  A^alley,  leaving  Wrood  at  the  Mills. 
There  Wood  was  isolated  from  any  near  support,  but  he 
could  be  relied  upon  to  take  pretty  good  care  of  his  part 


124  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

of  the  line.  Wilder  was  called  on  to  cover  the  ground 
to  Thomas  with  constant  movements  and  demonstra 
tions  along-  the  Chickamauga,  there  rapid  and  deep  with 
few  fords,  another  favorable  circumstance  for  Rose- 
crans. 

The  Fourteenth  Corps  moved  one  mile  northeast  on 
the  14th.  On  the  15th,  Colonel  A.  B.  Moore,  and  Chaplain 
Hempstead,  both  of  whom  had  resigned  not  long  before, 
were  notified  of  the  acceptance  of  their  resignations,  on 
account  of  disability,  and  left  for  home. 

Colonel  Douglas  Hapeman  now  assumed  command v 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth. 

It  being  evident  that  a  battle  must  be  fought,  the  re 
uniting  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  became  a  mat 
ter  of  life  and  death  and  all  the  efforts  of  the  command 
ing  general  and  his  subordinates  were  directed  to  that 
end. 

General  Thomas  advanced  the  Fourteenth  Corps  a 
mile  or  two  each  day  until  the  17th,  this  slow  progress 
being  necessary  on  account  of  McCook. 

Colonels  Minty  and  Wilder  were  kept  constantly  re- 
connoitering  on  the  front  along  the  Chickamauga,  and 
from  them  and  other  sources,  it  was  learned  that  Bragg 
was  moving  along  the  east  bank,  and  concentrating  his 
heaviest  forces  on  the  right,  with  the- evident  intention 
of  trying  his  favorite  tactics  of  massing  on  one  flank,  in 
this  Instance,  our  left.  But  Bragg,  brilliant  enough  in 
conceiving  plans,  was  slow  in  executing  them.  He  had 
intended  to  crush  Rosecrans'  army,  "Exposed  in  detail,'1 
as  he  expressed  it.  The  golden  opportunities  had  been 
lost,  as  he  afterward  claimed,  by  the  failure  of  his  gen 
erals  to  carry  out  his  orders.  Yet,  the  remedy  was  in 
his  OAvn  hands.  Learning  nothing  from  the  lesson  of 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  chagrined  at  the  result,  he 
turned  in  desperation  against  Crittenden  with  the  same 
generals,  and  though  having  for  five  days  the  opportu 
nity  to  crush  him,  weakly  abandoned  almost  certain  suc 
cess  and  withdrew. 

While  Rosecrans  and  Thomas  were  watching  the 
left  with  untold  anxiety,  sending  courier  after  courier  to 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  125 

Lurry  up  McCook,  to  their  great  joy  and  relief,  his  heads 
of  column  appeared  on  .the  17th,  on  the  heights  of  Stev 
en's  Gap  and  were  soon  in  McLemore's  Cove. 

The  Fourteenth  Army  Corps  had  no  fears  for  itself. 
Rosecrans  and  Thomas  enjoyed  its  full  confidence,  but 
knowing  that  there  is  a  limit  to  human  endurance,  and 
aware  of  the  vast  combinations  of  rebel  armies  called 
from  the  east,  west  and  south,  to  help  Bragg  annihilate 
the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  McCook's  arrival  was 
greeted  with  shouts  and  thanksgivings.  The  cavalry, 
which  had  been  with  McCook,  followed  his  infantry  and 
were  placed  on  the  right,  front  and  rear,  to  guard  the 
flank  and  McCook's  immense  trains  under  the  conduct 
of  the  gallant  General  Lytle,  then  on  the  way  over  Look 
out. 

The  Fourteenth  Corps  on  McCook's  arrival  was 
moved  beyond  Pond  Spring,  six  miles,  and  bivouacked 
near  the  Chickamauga.  Johnson's,  Sheridan's  and 
Davis'  Divisions  occupied  the  ground  left  by*  General 
Thomas,  with  outposts  thrown  forward  towards  Dug 
and  Catlett's  Gaps  of  Pigeon  Mountain.  Crittenden's 
Corps  was  then  within  reach  in  case  of  attack,  and  Gen 
eral  Rosecrans  suspecting  Bragg's  plan  kept  a  watchful 
eye  on  the  left. 

During  the  day,  General  Steed  man,  on  recon- 
noissance  toward  Ring-gold,  saw  heavy  clouds  of  dust 
toward  Dalton,  whence  reinforcements  would  arrive 
for  Bragg;  our  signal  officers  on  the  mountains  also  ob 
served  the  same  thing.  These  tell  tale  lines  tended 
toward  our  left.  Rosecrans  was  informed.  From 
scouts  and  spies  and  various  sources,  General  Rosecrans 
had  learned  bqyond  the  possibility  of  doubt  that  Bragg 
had  been  reinforced  by  Longstreet's  Corps  from  Vir 
ginia;  by  Johnston's  forces  from  Mississippi,  including 
paroled  prisoners  from  Vicksburg;  by  Buckner's  Corps, 
and  by  Walker's  Corps,  from  Georgia;  constituting  an 
army  of  over  70,000  men,  marshaled  on  the  banks  of  the 
Chickamauga,  for  the  purpose  of  not  only  annihilating 
the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  but  retaking  Chatta 
nooga.  To  oppose  this  vast  aggregation,  Rosecrans  had 


126  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

not  over  55,000  men,  but  neither  he  nor  his  soldiers 
doubted  their  ability  to  cope  with  Bragg  and  defeat  his 
army.  All  knew  that  a  great  battle  must  be  fought 
sooner  or  later,  and  were  anxious  to  have  it  over. 

Some  military  critics,  also  some  generals,  have  as 
serted  that  Kosecrans  should  have  withdrawn  his  whole 
army  to  Chattanooga  on  the  night  of  the  17th  and  18th, 
instead  of  stopping  to  fight  at  Chickamauga.  This  could 
have  been  done  probably  with  some  loss,  but  in  such 
case  the  ultimate  results  would  have  been  bad,  hazard 
ing  not  only  the  possession  of  the  primary  object  of  the 
campaign,  but  all  the  vast  territory  gained  north 
to  the  Ohio  River,  as  Bragg,  with  an  unbroken 
army,  could  not  only  have  besieged  Chatta 
nooga  successfully,  but  could  have  crossed  the  Ten 
nessee  and  marched  again  into  Kentucky.  There 
seems  to  have  been  on  both  sides  wisdom  in  the  con 
clusion  that  a  great  battle,  both  for  military  and  polit 
ical  reasons,  was  an  absolute  necessity.  In  view  of 
the  impending  contest  all  of  the  trains,  except  ammu 
nition  and  a  few  supply  wagons,  were  sent  on  to  Chat 
tanooga  by  the  roads  nearest  Lookout  and  lying  west 
of  Mission  Ridge. 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th,  the  corps  of  McCook 
and  Thomas  were  put  in  motion  for  the  left.  Neg- 
ley's  Division  did  not  march  until  three  p.  m.,  when 
we  left  our  bivouac  near  Owen's  Ford,  five  miles  from 
Crawfish  Springs,  and  proceeded  toward  the  latter 
place.  From  Owen's  Ford  there  was  only  one  prac 
ticable  road  and  this  was  blockaded  with  troops,  artil 
lery  and  trains,  making  the  movement  very  slow.  The 
nature  of  the  country  was  such  as  to  admit  of  no  move 
ments  through  the  fields,  except  for  infantry,  and  then 
only  at  intervals.  Dense  cedar  brakes  growing  on  and 
among  broken  limestone  rocks  abounded  everywhere 
and  prevented  a  passage.  During  the  day  more  or 
less  cannonading  was  heard  away  on  the  left  where 
Crittenden  lay.  Beatty's  Brigade,  after  consuming  six 
hours  and  making  three  miles,  halted  at  nine  in  the 
evening  in  consequence  of  orders  to  take  a  road  to  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  127 

right  and  relieve  Colonel  Grose,  who  was  confronting 
the  enemy  at  a  ford  of  the  Chickamauga,  three  miles 
from  Crawfish.  But  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth, 
being  still  in  the  rear  guarding  a  train,  it  was  neces 
sary  to  wait  for  its  arrival.  Not  having  reported  at 
twelve,  General  Beatty  moved  off  with  the  three  regi 
ments  and  Bridge's  Battery,  leaving  the  writer  to  con 
duct  the  Regiment  to  position.  About  one  a.  m.  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  arrived  and  the  order  was 
given  to  Colonel  Hapeman.  The  men  were  greatly 
fatigued  and  needed  sleep,  but  we  must  go.  Falling 
in,  the  march  was  begun  and  though  not  very  long, 
there  were  circumstances  that  made  it  seem  so.  The 
night  was  intensely  dark,  the  road  a  mere  trace 
through  the  woods  with  underbrush  on  each  side. 
There  was  no  talking,  not  a  sound  disturbed  the  still 
ness  which  became  painful  in  view  of  possibilities,  pain 
ful  to  the  writer,  charged  with  the  responsibility  of 
finding  the  Brigade.  After  marching  for  a  distance 
that  seemed  miles,  a  halt  was  made  and  all  listened 
for  sounds  indicating  our  proximity  to  the  command. 
Nothing  was  heard.  Colonel  Hapeman  and  the  writer 
then  lighted  matches  and  examined  the  road  for  tracks. 
But  having  passed  no  laterals  it  was  certain  that  no 
mistake  could  have  been  made.  We  then  moved  on, 
and  after  another  age,  suddenly  stumbled  upon  some 
pickets — our  own;  the  balance  of  the  Brigade  were 
sound  asleep  in  the  dark  forest.  It  was  then  two  a.  m. 
Reporting  to  General  Beatty,  who  was  greatly  relieved 
by  our  arrival,  such  sleep  as  could  be  had  on  this 
cold  night,  was  sought.  No  fires  were  allowed. 

The  18th  had  been  employed  by  Bragg  in  massing 
his  heaviest  forces  east  of  the  Chicakamauga  in  front 
of  and  beyond  Crittenden,  who  held  position  from  Lee 
and  Gordon's  Mills  northward,  with  Wilder  and  Minty 
to  his  left,  respectively  at  Alexander's  and  Reed's 
bridges,  situated  two  and  five  miles  from  the  mills. 
Tedford's,  Dalton's  and  Byron's  Fords  were  between. 

General  Bragg  had  issued  orders  for  attack  on  the 
18th,  but  had  been  delayed  by  the  same  obstacles  as 


128  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Rosecrans,  namely,  few  and  bad  roads,  and  on  this 
account  lost  the  advantage  of  a  day.  The  benefit  had 
accrued  to  the  latter,  who  w^as  the  better  prepared 
for  battle  on  the  19th.  Demonstrations  were  made  in 
the  morning  by  the  enemy  against  Palmer,  who  was 
posted  to  the  right  of  Crawfish  Springs.  Also  against 
Wood  by  Folk's  Corps,  but  these  were  only  intended 
to  divert  attention  from  the  left.  About  ten  Minty 
and  Wilder  at  the  bridges,  were  attacked  by  portions 
of  Hood's  and  Walker's  Corps,  and  were  able  to  keep 
them  from  crossing  until  five  p.  m.,  inflicting  a  heavy 
loss.  They  then  joined  Wood.  Toward  evening,  Col 
onel  Daniel  McCook,  commanding  the  Second  Brigade, 
Second  Division,  of  the  Reserve  Corps,  attacked  and 
burned  Reed's  bridge  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  and 
discovered  that  a  rebel  brigade  had  crossed.  The 
bearing  of  McCook's  discovery  on  the  events  of  the 
19th,  as  will  appear,  were  important. 

When  the  shades  of  night  fell  upon  Chickamauga 
valley  two  great  armies,  numbering  not  less  than  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  men,  were  march 
ing  to  take  positions  for  the  combat,  their  movements 
concealed  from  each  other  by  the  Chickamauga  and 
deep  forests.  General  Bragg's  troops  spent  the  night 
in  crossing  the  river  and  in  the  morning  they  were 
arranged  with  Walker's  Corps  on  the  right,  Hood  in 
the  center,  Buckner  on  the  left,  with  Cheatham  in 
reserve.  Walker  wTas  west  of  Alexander's  bridge, 
Buckner's  left  one  mile  north  of  Lee  and  Gordon's 
Mills.  Folk's  and  Hill's  Corps  were  further  up  the 
river,  the  cavalry  on  both  flanks.  General  Thomas 
spent  the  night  in  moving  his  divisions  to  the  left, 
opposite  those  of  Bragg,  and  at  dawn  of  the  19th  he 
had  five  divisions  in  line  while  others  were  on  the 
way.  General  Crittenden  still  held  the  line  at  Lee 
and  Gordon's  Mills  as  a  matter  of  necessity,  to  cover 
Thomas'  movements,  but  Palmer  and  Van  Cleve  were 
moved  in  the  night  near  Thomas.  General  Negley, 
with  two  brigades,  filled  the  space  vacated  by  Palmer, 
getting  into  position  at  daylight. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  129 

Soon  after  daylight  on  the  19th,  there  was  occa 
sional  firing  on  the  picket  line  in  front  of  Beatty's 
Brigade,  then  occupying  the  extreme  right  of  our  army 
and  three  miles  from  any  support.  We  occupied  a 
ridge  covered  with  a  thin  growth  of  timber  arid  before 
us  was  a  cleared  field  of  some  twenty  acres;  just 
beyond  this  was  a  narrow  tract  of  timbered  land 
which  bordered  the  Chickamauga.  Heavy  woods  and 
underbrush  were  on  each  side  of  the  field.  The  dis 
tance  to  the  creek  was  a  quarter  of  a  mile  or  more. 
The  Fifteenth  Kentucky  was  thrown  out  in  front  as 
skirmishers  and  took  position  in  the  woods  below  the 
field;  skirmishers  were  also  sent  to  the  right  and  left. 
These  dispositions  were  made  before  dawn.  The  enemy 
soon  showed  themselves  on  the  opposite  bank  and 
advancing  skirmishers  across  the  creek,  engaged  ours, 
but  did  not  advance  in  force.  A  desultory  firing  now 
followed  for  several  hours  when  suddenly  about  ten, 
two  rebel  batteries  opened  upon  Beatty's  position. 
Captain  Bridges  replied  with  good  effect.  The  duel 
lasted  nearly  three  hours  and  was  intensely  interest 
ing.  The  reserve  regiments  during  the  fight  were 
concealed  partly  in  the  woods,  and  protected  to  some 
extent.  About  twelve  General  Beatty  ordered  two 
guns  to  be  moved  to  the  right  a  little,  to  another  MIL 
Captain  Bridges  misunderstanding  the  order,  moved 
the  whole  battery.  The  rebels  seeing  it  fired  faster 
than  ever.  General  Beatty  observing  this,  having 
been^sent  elsewhere,  sent  Bridges  back  to  the  old 
position  in  haste.  About  this  time  three  pieces  of 
Schultz's  First  Ohio  Battery  and  the  Eighteenth  Ohio, 
arrived  from  the  left  The  firing  then  became  fiercer 
than  ever.  The  enemy  also  began  to  advance  infantry, 
but  halted  on  discovering  our  new  battery.  In  half 
an  hour  so  effective  was  the  fire  of  our  batteries,  hav 
ing  dismounted  two  rebel  guns,  that  the  enemy  lim 
bered  up  and  withdrew. 

Bridges'  Battery  lost  in  this  action  two  men  killed, 
nine  wounded,  and  had  twelve  horses  killed  or  dis 
abled.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  lost  one  man, 


130  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

mortally  wounded,  and  eight  wounded,  on  the  skir 
mish  line  and  at  the  battery.  Jacob  Bane,  of  Com 
pany  I,  lost  here  his  good  right  arm.  At  three  p.  in. 
General  Beatty  received  orders  to  join  the  main  army 
to  the  left,  but  the  enemy  being  still  in  our  front  across 
the  creek,  we  withdrew  slowly  and  earefulty.  When 
the  rebels  discovered  our  withdrawal,  their  cavalry  at 
once  crossed  the  creek  in  our  rear,  but  did  not  attack, 
and  we  reached  Crawfish  Springs  at  five. 

We  had  heard  cannonading  all  day  on  the  left  and 
knew  that  heavy  fighting  was  going  on  there.  At 
the  Springs  we  saw  scores  of  wounded  coming  back, 
some  on  foot  and  many  in  ambulances.  After  a  halt  to 
fill  the  canteens,  the  brigade  moved  on  north  toward 
the  sound  of  the  guns,  for  tliree  miles,  and  it  then  being 
dark,  went  into  bivouac  on  a  ridge  near  Osborne's  farm 
house,  and  not  far  from  the  WTidow  Glenn's,  Rosecrans' 
headquarters.  The  men  tired  and  hungry  prepared 
their  scanty  meal  of  hardtack,  bacon  and  coffee,  and 
while  this  was  being  eaten,  witnessed  in  the  twilight 
a  charge  of  Negley's  Brigade  and  Wilder's  mounted 
infantry,  less  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  east,  which  was 
successful,  driving  back  the  enemy  half  a  mile. 

The  heavy  fighting  of  the  19th  had  been  on  the  left ; 
beginning  at  10  a.  m.,  Rosecrans  and  Thomas  had  placed 
the  divisions  of  Baird,  Brannan  and  Reynolds  with 
Palmer's  and  Van  Cleve's,  in  positions  near  to  the 
LaFayette  road,  at  Kelly's  house  and  beyond,  so  as  to 
•cover  any  advance  from  Reed's  and  Alexander's 
bridges.  They  had  rightly  judged  that  Bragg  would 
mass  his  heaviest  forces  on  our  left  and  rear.  If  suc 
cessful  in  destroying  that  wing  of  our  army  and  secur 
ing  the  LaFayette  Road,  his  way  was  clear  to  Rossville 
and  Chattanooga,  respectively  five  and  ten  miles  dis 
tant,  writh  no  army  north  except  Granger's  small  com 
mand  at  the  former  place,  to  oppose  him.  It  was  not 
yet  known  that  nearly  all  the  rebel  army  was  west  of 
the  Chickamauga  and  rapidly  approaching,  yet  such 
was  the  fact. 

Colonel  Dan  McCook  riding  up  to  General  Thomas 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  131 

early  on  the  19th,  informed  him  of  his  adventure  the 
night  before  and  of  a  rebel  brigade  being  isolated  near 
the  bridge.    This  information  led  to  the  opening  of  the 
battle,  and  was  opportunely  given.     General  Thomas 
desirous   of  capturing  the  brigade,   directed  General 
Brannan  to  take  two  brigades  and  advance  on  the 
bridge  road.    Brannau  leaving  Croxton's  brigade  on  the 
left  of  Baird,  moved  off  with  Council's  and  Vander- 
"reer's.     He  had  not  gone  far  when  he  suddenly  en 
countered  three  brigades  of  cavalry  under  Forrest,  with 
infantry  on  his  left.     The  latter  struck  Croxton  and 
severe  lighting  began.    General  Thomas  now  advanced 
Baird.     The  two  divisions  soon  drove  the  enemy  back 
and  captured  200  prisoners.    Meantime  Baird  saw  rebel 
forces  on  his  right  and  faced  King's  Brigade  toward 
them,  but  Liddell's  whole  Division  pouring  in,  swept 
King's  and  Scribner's  Brigades  away,  capturing  ten 
guns.    Starkweather's  Brigade  coming  up  met  a  similar 
fate.     But  the  tide  was  to  turn.     Brannan  set  it  in 
motion  by  charging  with  two  brigades,  one  of  his  regi 
ments,  the  Ninth  Ohio,  recapturing  Gunther's  Battery, 
Fifth  IT.  S.  Artillery,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.    Great 
difficulty  was  experienced  here  as  elsewhere  in  moving 
artillery  or  men  on  account  of  woods  and  underbrush, 
there  being  only  now  and  then  cleared  fields.    Thomas 
and  Rosecrans  having  divined  the  meaning  of  these 
attacks,  had  taken  care  to  provide  for  them.    Reynolds', 
Palmer's  and  Johnson's  Divisions  immediately  arrived 
and  were  sent  into  the  conflict  near  the  Kelly  house 
and  southeast.       General  Bragg  had  made  his  attack 
on  the  supposition  that  the  major  part  of  Rosecrans' 
army  was  yet  in  the  vicinity  of  Crawfish  Springs,  three 
miles  further  south.     He  intended  to  swing  round  his 
right  so  as  to  envelop  Crittenden,  and  then  he  would 
also  be  able  to  occupy  the  roads  to  Chattanooga  and 
stand  across  the  line  of  march  of  Rosecrans'  center  and 
right.     Being  confused  at  the  unexpected  opposition  on 
his  right,  his  center  and  left  were  withheld  and  rein 
forcements  sent  to  his  right.  On  this  account  a  large  un 
occupied  space  between  Thomas  and  Crittenden  was  not 


132          THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

filled   by  Bragg  for  some  time,  which  also   allowed 
Kosecrans  to  make  new  dispositions. 

General  Sam.  Beatty's  and  Dick's  Brigades  wrere 
hurried  forward  by  Crittenden,  and  General  Davis  ar 
rived  with  Carlin's  and  Heg's  Brigades.  These  were 
placed  on  the  right  of  Van  Cleve,  and  none  too  soon. 
Davis  was  supported  on  his  right  by  Wilder's  mounted 
infantry  with  their  repeating  rifles,  which  the  rebels 
had  learned  to  respect.  In  front  of  Van  Cleve,  Davis 
and  Wilder,  the  rebels  poured  through  the  woods  in 
overwhelming  masses.  A  desperate  conflict  then  en 
sued  lasting  for  several  hours,  the  advantage  being  first 
with  one  side  and  then  with  the  other.  Bragg's  object 
being  to  divide  our  army  the  most  frantic  efforts  were- 
made  at  this  point,  the  Vineyard  farm,  to  sweep  away 
the  forces  named.  Finally,  Dick's  Brigade  gave  way 
and  also  portions  of  the  others.  At  this  supreme  mo 
ment  reinforcements  arrived.  These  were  Marker's 
Brigade  of  Wood's  Division,  and  Laiboldt's  and  Brad- 
ley's  Brigades  from  Sheridan.  Soon  after  General 
Wood  also  arrived  with  Buell's  and  Barnes'  Brigades. 
Their  timely  arrival  restored  the  fortunes  of  the  day 
for  our  army.  The  flanking  columns  of  the  rebels  were 
defeated  and  driven  back  along  the  entire  line  and  the 
conflict  ceased  at  that  point  for  a  time. 

Meantime  Brannan,  Baird  and  Johnson,  also  Reyn 
olds,  having  defeated  and  driven  back  the  rebel  right 
wing  (Walker's  Corps)  a  lull  followed,  which  lasted 
until  5  p.  m.  when  the  enemy  made  a  furious  attack 
on  Johnson  and  Baird,  whose  divisions  were  being 
posted  in  a  new  position  near  the  Dyer  house,  east  of 
Glenn's.  The  attack  failed  and  the  enemy  retired.  The 
tide  of  battle  had  been  drifting  all  day  toward  the 
Widow  Glenn's  house.  This  stood  on  the  Dry  Valley 
Road  to  Chattanooga,  which  one  half  mile  north  turned 
slightly  to  the  left  through  a  pass  in  Mission  Ridge. 
Two  high  ridges  extended  along  both  sides  of  the  road 
from  Glenn's.  At  the  pass  mentioned  a  spur  of  Mission 
several  hundred  feet  high,  heavily  wooded,  ran  east, 
curving  north,  for  a  half  mile  or  more.  This  became 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  133 

known  as  "Horse  Shoe  Ridge."  On  its  northeastern 
slope  was  the  "Suodgrass  Farm."  A  half  mile  further 
east  was  the  LaFayette  Road  and  the  Kelly  Farm,  with 
McDaniel's  (McDonald's)  house  a  little  north  of  Kelly's. 
From  here  the  road  trended  southeast  to  Lee  and  Gor 
don's  Mills.  Toward  evening  the  enemy  made  another 
attack  in  front  of  Glenn's,  which  was  repulsed  by  Neg- 
Jey  and  Wilder  who  drove  them  half  a  mile.  Darkness 
had  then  settled  down  on  the  battlefield  and  both 
armies  rested  where  they  halted,  glad  of  a  respite  which 
all  knew  would  be  brief,  for  fierce  as  had  been  the  con 
flict,  no  decisive  victory  had  been  gained,  and  the  morn 
ing  would  bring  a  renewal  of  the  battle. 

The  losses  on  both  sides  had  been  very  heavy  in 
killed  and  wounded.  The  latter  on  our  side,  were  taken 
to  the  field  hospitals  at  Crawfish  and  in  our  rear,  but 
hundreds  remained  on  the  field  to  endure  the  tortures 
of  hunger,  cold  and  thirst — perhaps  to  die.  What 
tongue  can  tell,  what  pen  can  describe,  the  suffering 
and  agony  of  those  thus  left  helpless !  Added  to  all  was 
the  suspense  felt  as  to  the  final  result.  The  day's  fight 
ing  had  revealed  the  fact  that  Bragg's  forces  far  out 
numbered  our  own.  He  had  not  only  overlapped  ours 
on  every  occasion,  but  it  was  now  known  that  several 
of  his  divisions  had  not  been  engaged  at  all,  also  that 
Longstreet's  Corps  had  arrived  from  Virginia.  On  the 
other  hand,  all  of  Rosecrans'  army  except  one  or  two 
brigades,  had  been  in  action.  There  was  a  general  feel 
ing  that  the  chances  were  against  us.  It  was  true  that 
Bragg  had  been  defeated  in  his  objects  and  his  forces 
driven  back,  but  he  still  had  the  advantage  of  superior 
numbers  and  of  the  inner  and  shorter  lines  of  attack. 
General  Rosecrans  held  a  better  position  on  the  even 
ing  of  the  19th  than  in  the  morning,  when  his  army  was 
scattered  along  for  a  distance  of  six  miles,  and  in 
consequence  of  which  the  combats  of  the  day  had  been 
a  series  of  distinct  engagements,  first  at  one  point, 
then  at  another.  Fortunately  General  Bragg  had  been 
prevented  by  various  causes  from  making  the  united 
and  general  attack  he  intended.  The  unity  of  our  three 


134  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

corps  had  been  destroyed,  however,  by  the  necessities  of 
the  day  and  the  divisions  from  each  intermixed.  This 
ultimately  resulted  in  advantage  as  it  gave  Thomas  the 
chief  command  and  forces  enough  to  stem  the  tide  of 
disaster  that  overtook  the  right  under  McCook  early 
on  the  20th  and  which  but  for  Thomas  would  have 
engulfed  the  whole  army. 

The  morning  of  the  20th,  Sunday,  found  the  Chicka- 
mauga  Valley  wrapped  in  a  dense  fog,  which  prevented 
early  movements.  Rosecrans  occupied  a  line  extending 
from  the  northeast  corner  of  Kelly's  Farm  across  the 
LaFayette  Boad,  thence  southwest  to  the  Widow 
Glenn's.  Baird,  Johnson,  Palmer,  Reynolds  and  Bran- 
nan  were  in  this  order  on  the  left.  After  midnight, 
Rosecrans  in  conference,  gave  orders  for  McCook  to 
form  a  line  with  Sheridan's  and  Davis'  Divisions,  ex 
tending  from  Glenn's  to  the  left  and  connecting  with 
Thomas;  Crittenden  was  directed  to  hold  Wood's  and 
Van  Cleve's  Divisions  in  reserve,  in  the  rear  of  Thomas' 
right,  ready  to  relieve  McCook  or  Thomas  when  re 
quired.  Negley  who  was  then  on  the  right  of  Brannan^ 
with  two  brigades,  was  to  be  sent  to  the  left  of  Baird, 
as  General  Thomas  expected  the  rebels  would  renew  the 
struggle  there  to  get  in  our  left  and  rear  just  beyond  the 
LaFayette  Road.  With  this  understanding  the  new 
alignments  were  begun  before  daylight,  except  as  to 
Negley  who  had  not  been  relieved  and  remained  wThere 
he  was  until  10  a.  m.  General  Thomas  not  understand 
ing  the  cause  sent  to  inquire. 

General  John  Beatty's  Brigade  being  unassigned 
was  at  8  a.  m.  sent  to  the  left.  Marching  along  the  ridge 
beyond  Widow  Glenn's,  and  descending  into  the  valley 
east  of  "Horseshoe,"  we  came  to  the  LaFayette  Road 
near  Kelly's  house  and  the  narrow  cleared  field,  where 
the  brigade  was  formed  on  the  left  of  Baird,  who  faced 
east.  The  battery  was  placed  near  the  road.  General 
Thomas,  then  on  the  left,  designated  the  position.  It 
was  a  very  good  one,  but  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  army, 
and  should  have  been  occupied  by  a  division  as  General 
Thomas  intended  and  had  been  promised.  Bridges' 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  135 

Battery  was  placed  near  the  road  and  a  line  of  skir 
mishers  thrown  out  to  the  woods  in  front.  Baird's 
Division  on  the  right  was  behind  slight  breastworks 
of  rails  and  timber. 

General  Bragg  had  spent  the  night  in  crossing  the 
balance  of  his  troops  to  the  west  side  of  the  Chicka- 
niauga.  He  had  divided  his  army  into  two  wings — the 
right  and  left,  commanded  respectively  by  Generals 
Polk  and  Longstreet,  Orders  had  been  given  the 
former  to  attack  at  daylight  on  our  left,  and  this  was  to 
be  followed  at  the  sound  of  Folk's  guns,  by  the  rest  of 
that  wing.  General  Longstreet  was  to  await  develop 
ments  and  attack  when  expedient.  But  as  usual,  Polk 
delayed  and  did  not  move  to  the  assault  until  nearly 
9,  and  after  Bragg  had  hunted  him  up  and  commanded 
an  immediate  advance. 

Meantime,  General  Rosecrans  had  ridden  the  lines 
and  found  McCook  in  bad  position  with  a  long,  attenu 
ated  line,  which  resulted  from  covering  too  much 
ground  in  trying  to  connect  »with  Thomas.  Changes 
were  ordered,  but  before  the  lines  could  be  rectified, 
it  was  too  late  to  be  effective. 

Soon  after  Beatty  had  taken  position  on  the  left,  as 
before  stated,  an  order  from  General  Thomas  directed 
him  to  move  his  Brigade  northeast  and  toward  Mc 
Donald's  house  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant.  The  con 
sequence  of  this  would  be  to  leave  a  large  unoccupied 
space  on  our  right  toward  Baird,  but  the  order,  though 
unwise,  was  imperative  as  stated  by  Captain  Gaw  of 
General  Thomas'  Staff,  who  added  that  Xegley  was  on 
the  way  to  our  support.  At  that  time  General  Thomas 
supposed  this  to  be  so.  We  looked  in  vain  for  him  to 
arrive  as  the  Brigade  moved  across  the  field  in  the 
direction  ordered.  It  was  then  half  past  nine,  the  fog 
had  cleared  away  but  clouds  of  smoke  hung  over  the 
valley,  through  which  the  sun,  red,  as  if  with  anger, 
shone  down  hot  and  sultry.  More  or  less  skirmishing 
had  been  going  on  for  an  hour  in  front  of  Baird,  the 
premonitory  signs  of  attack.  Beatty's  Brigade  ad 
vanced  northeast  with  two  companies  of  skirmishers 


136  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  front  of  each  regiment.  The  Eighty-eighth  Indiana, 
(Colonel  Humphries)  was  on  the  left,  the  Forty-second 
Indiana,  (Lieutenant-Colonel  Mclntyre)  next  on  the 
right;  then  came  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois, 
(Colonel  Hapeman)  and  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky,  (Col 
onel  Taylor);  Bridges7  Battery  followed.  The  entire 
brigade  numbered  less  than  twelve  hundred  men.  The 
skirmishers  were  immediately  engaged  and  heavily. 
Such  a  strong  opposition  was  manifested  that  General 
Beatty  ordered  three  more  companies,  one  after  the 
other,  to  be  sent  to'  the  skirmish  line,  wbich  was  about 
ten  rods  in  advance.  This  left  only  five  companies  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  in  reserve. 

Meantime,  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  was  heavily  at 
tacked  in  front  and  on  the  right  flank,  as  also  the  two 
regiments  on  the  left.  At  this  juncture,  General  Beatty 
sent  an  Aide  to  Baird  to  request  that  a  force  be  thrown 
into  the  unoccupied  space  on  our  right,  he  also  sent 
Captain  Wilson  to  hurry  up  Negley  whom  we  fondly 
believed  to  be  approaching.  The  advance  had  been 
slow  and  was  through  timber  and  underbrush  making 
it  impossible  to  see  more  than  the  length  of  one  small 
regiment.  This  had  caused  irregularity  and  uneven- 
ness  in  our  lines,  as  well  as  that  of  the  skirmishers. 
Advancing  northeast  and  under  orders  from  General 
Thomas  to  bear  to  the  left  as  much  as  possible  toward 
McDonald's,  which  instruction  the  writer  heard  given, 
the  two  left  regiments  became  separated  from  those 
on  the  right,  leaving  a  gap  constantly  becoming  wider. 
The  firing  had  then  become  lively  and  bullets  were 
singing  their  sweet  lullabies  in  the  air  and  among  the 
trees  and  brush,  announcing  the  speedy  arrival  of  the 
enemy.  At  this  time  the  writer  was  sent  by  General 
Beatty  to  move  the  Forty-second  to  the  right  so  as  to 
connect  with  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  On  ar 
riving  a  few  moments  after  he  found  the  regiment  en 
gaged.  To  move  at  that  time  was  impossible.  Captain 
LeFevre,  of  the  staff,  coming  up  then,  was  killed  in  a 
few  moments. 

During  this  time  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  had  been 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  137 

slowly  pressed  back  by  superior  numbers  on  the  front 
and  right.  '  The  enemy  were  also  discovered  pouring- 
en  masse,  four  columns  deep,  into  the  interval  between 
the  right  and  left  wings  of  the  brigade  and  wheeling, 
with  the  purpose  of  taking  our  left  in  flank,  but  Captain 
Bridges  opening  with  grape  and  canister  brought  them 
to  a  halt  and  they  fell  back  into  the  timber.  The 
Forty-second  and  Eighty-eighth  were  slowly  pressed 
back  and  being  outflanked  on  both  sides  retreated  to 
the  ridges  in  the  rear,  with  a  loss  of  over  one  hundred 
men. 

Colonel  Hapeman,  by  order  of  Beatty,  formed  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  closely  aligned  with  the 
fifteenth  Kentucky,  when  the  two  regiments  made  a 
gallant  stand  against  overpowering  numbers,  General 
Beatty  personally  directing  the  movements,  but  they 
were  obliged  to  fall  back  to  the  road,  and  did  so  con 
testing  every  inch  of  the  ground.  The  rebels  were  then 
near  the  battery,  and  firing  into  it  killed  or  wounded 
every  man  in  it  and  all  of  the  horses;  they  also  captured 
two  guns.  Captain  Bridges  almost  surrounded,  saved 
the  remainder  of  the  battery  with  the  help  of  men  from 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  and  withdrew  it  to  the 
road,  where  that  Regiment  and  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky 
made  another  stand,  which  was  rendered  more  effective 
by  help  from  Captain  Goodspeed's  Battery.  The  enemy 
were  temporarily  checked.  In  the  charge  on  the  bat 
tery,  the  writer  then  passing,  narrowly  escaped. 

General  Beatty  seeing  the  rebels  in  every  direction 
and  leaving  Colonel  Taylor,  (senior  officer,)  in  command 
of  the  two  regiments,  started  to  the  rear  to  find  Negley 
or  Thomas  and  urge  the  necessity  for  more  forces  on  the 
left.  As  it  appeared,  General  Negley  had  just  before 
reached  "Horseshoe"  with  Stanley's  Brigade  and  had 
sent  it  forward.  This  was  formed  facing  the  enemy 
by  General  Beatty,  with  Colonel  Taylor's  command  on 
its  left.  But  the  rebels  began  pressing  back  the  skir 
mish  lines  and  corning  within  range  were  met  with  a 
volley  that  made  them  halt.  The  brigade  then  charged 
and  drove  the  enemy  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  capturing  over 


138  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

one  hundred  prisoners,  among  them  General  Adams 
who  was  wounded.  But  no  reinforcements  arriving',, 
the  rebels  again  advanced  and  Stanley's  line  withdrew 
slowly  to  the  ridge  and  took  position  near  the  Snod- 
grass  house.  Stanly  in  his  report  says,  "General 
Beatty  was  with  me  and  by  his  cool  and  gallant  bearing 
added  to  the  enthusiasm  of  my  officers  and  men,  etc." 
General  Negley  had  remained  on  the  ridge  to  which 
many  of  our  beaten  troops  had  retreated  and  was  en 
gaged  in  forming  them  there  with  some  batteries  in 
support. 

General  Beatty  was  then  practically  without  a  com 
mand  as  Major  Lowrie  of  Negley's  Staff,  had  been  sent 
by  Negley  and  withdrawn  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  and 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  to  the  ridge.  Colonel  Taylor 
obeyed  the  order  without  consulting  Beatty,  for  which 
he  was  afterward  sorry,  for  he  was  a  brave  man  and 
had  simply  erred,  thinking  he  must  obey  the  Major 
General  commanding.  Soon  after,  for  reasons  ex 
plained,  but  wholly  unsatisfactory,  General  Negley 
taking  the  troops  about  him,  including  Beatty's  Brigade 
and  some  artillery,  moved  toward  Rossville,  a  mistake 
he  afterward  regretted.  Thus  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  men,  was  prevented 
by  a  blunder  from  further  participation  in  the  battle 
of  the  20th. 

The  Kegiment  lost  in  killed  and  mortally  wounded 
on  the  19th  and  20th,  seventeen  men;  wounded — some 
severely,  on  those  dates  and  the  21st,  forty-nine 
men.  Among  the  latter  were  Captain  Ludington, 
Lieutenants  Southwell,  Sapp,  Porter  and  Calkins, 
the  latter  of  Beatty's  staff.  The  entire  loss  of 
the  Brigade  was  three  hundred  and  ten.  As 
all  the  records  show,  and  as  all  know,  it 
did  all  that  mortal  men  could  do  to  hurl  back  the 
division  brought  against  it,  and  under  a  less  brave  and 
skillful  commander  might  have  done  less. 

The  rebels  had  gained  at  last  the  LaFayette  Road 
and  could  have  marched  into  our  rear,  but  failed  to- 
do  so,  the  reason  being  as  shown  by  Bragg's  report  that 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  139 

his  right  had  suffered  so  severely  and  been  so  nearly 
used  up  that  he  could  not  send  them  nor  spare  any 
troops  from  his  left.  Vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol.  XXX,  Pt.  2. 

Beatty's  Brigade  had  fought  ten  times  its  own  num 
bers  and  contributed  materially  to  that  result.  It  had 
also  relieved  Baird  on  our  right  from  what  might  have 
proved  disastrous  to  him  and  the  forces  to  his  right. 

The  tide  of  battle  begun  first  on  the  left  against 
Beatty  rolled  in  successive  waves  to  the  right,  striking 
Baird  next,  and  soon  after  extending  along  the  entire 
front  to  McCook  at  the  Widow  Glenn's.  Baird  well 
protected  held  his  position  as  did  the  divisions  to  his 
right,  and  after  repeated  assaults,  the  rebels  ceased 
to  attack  for  some  hours  at  any  point  on  this  part  of 
the  line. 

Following  the  retirement  of  Stanley  on  the  left, 
General  Beatty,  Captain  Wilson,  A.  A.  G.,  and  the 
writer,  repaired  to  the  "Horseshoe"  ridge,  lying  im 
mediately  west,  supposing  the  Brigade  must  be  there, 
but  Negley  and  all  had  gone.  This  hasty  withdrawal 
for  which  he  was  subsequently  brought  before  a  Court 
of  Inquiry,  and  which  he  ingenuously  explained,  was 
uncalled  for  by  the  circumstances,  and  had  not  General 
Negley  heretofore  proved  himself  a  brave  and  skillful 
commander  on  many  battlefields,  the  statement  would 
hardly  have  been  accepted. 

There  were  numbers  of  troops  on  the  ridge,  the 
scattered  fragments  of  a  dozen  commands,  but  no 
artillery.  It  had  either  been  captured  or  taken  to  the 
rear.  Baird,  Brannan,  Reynolds  and  Wood  also,  still 
held  firm,  but  disaster  had  overwhelmed  the  right,  and 
the  evidence  of  it  became  apparent  to  Thomas  and  the 
center  between  eleven  and  twelve,  when  streams  of 
panic-stricken  soldiers  began  to  pour  through  the  woods 
in  the  rear  of  the  ridge  held  by  Thomas,  all  going  north 
as  by  instinct.  Many  of  them  seemed  to  have  very  little 
else  left.  Some  were  induced  to  join  the  line  on  the 
ridge.  All  attempts  to  rally  any  large  numbers  were 
futile.  They  were  in  part  the  fragments  of  McCook's 
command. 


140  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

The  disaster  on  the  right  was  due  not  so  much  to 
scarcity  of  soldiers  and  length  of  the  line  to  be  defended, 
as  to  bad  generalship  and  the  doggedness  of  General 
Wood.  When  Thomas  had  sent  to  Rosecrans  for  re 
inforcements  and  repeated  the  requests,  all  was  quiet 
on  our  right,  which  seemed  to  indicate  that  Bragg  was 
making  his  supreme  attack  on  Thomas  and  the  left. 
Rosecrans  therefore  prepared  to  withdraw  McCook's 
line  about  10  o'clock,  more  to  the  left,  nearer  Thomas. 
Orders  were  given  for  two  of  Sheridan's  brigades  and 
two  of  VanCleve's  to  move  toward  Thomas.  There  was, 
then,  no  reserve  except  Wilder's.  At  that  time,  an  Aide 
reported  that  Thomas  was  heavily  pressed  and  General 
Brannan's  Division  out  of  line,  exposing  Reynolds' 
right.  Thereupon  General  Rosecrans  sent  an  order  to 
Wood  to  "Close  up  on  Reynolds  as  fast  as  possible,  and 
support  him."  Wood  knew  that  Reynolds  was  not  ex 
posed  nor  Brannau  out  of  line,  the  latter  being  en  eche 
lon  in  rear  of  Reynolds,  and  to  close  up  on  the  latter, 
Wood  must  pass  in  rear  of  Brannan,  leaving  a  gap.  But 
Wrood  regarding  the  order  as  imperative  proceeded 
to  execute  it,  though  as  a  skillful  commander  of  known 
ability,  he  must  have  foreseen  the  consequences  and 
It  was  in  his  power  to  avert  them  by  delaying  the  move 
ment  and  riding  to  headquarters.  After  moving  and 
w^hen  too  late,  he  met  Thomas  who  placed  him  near 
Baird.  Through  the  gap  made  the  Rebels  who  had 
quietly  approached,  rushed  en  masse.  Part  of  Buell's 
Brigade  was  struck  in  the  whirl  and  driven  back.  Bran- 
man  was  taken  in  flank  but  quickly  changed  front  and 
held  his  ground.  Lytle's  and  Walworth's  brigades,  also 
Laiboldt's  of  Sheridan's  division,  rushed  toward  the 
enemy  but  were  soon  repulsed,  General  Lytle,  the  gifted 
soldier  poet,  being  killed.  These  with  portions  of 
General  Sam.  Beatty's  and  Dick's  brigades,  being  un 
able  to  resist  the  dense  masses  of  the  Confederates,  fell 
back  over  the  ridge  extending  north  from  the  Widow 
Glenn's.  Many  pieces  of  artillery  were  also  lost. 

Thus  five  brigades  had  been  swept  away  from  the 
field  as  by  the  besom  of  destruction.  While  a  few  men 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  141 

found  their  way  to  Thomas,  the  majority  either  drifted 
through  the  woods  in  rear  of  his  position  or  followed 
Sheridan  and  Davis  dowrn  the  Dry  Valley  Road  here 
tofore  mentioned  as  passing  through  Mission  Ridge 
about  one  mile  north  of  Glenn's  at  the  very  point 
where  Horseshoe  ridge  begins,  on  which  and  its  out 
lying  spurs,  facing  east,  southeast,  and  south,  General 
Thomas  writh  portions  of  seven  diATisions  and  many 
small  detachments  frOm  a  hundred  commands,  stood 
firm  as  the  everlasting  hills  about  them  from  noon  till 
night  and  hurled  back  the  ever  advancing  hosts  of  the 
enemy  led  by  Long-street  and  his  veteran  legions,  who 
had  been  accustomed  to  walk  triumphant  over  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  had  come  south  as  some  of 
those  who  were  captured  remarked,  "To  show  Bragg 
how  to  fight." 

There  was  nothing  to  prevent  Sheridan  and  Davis 
with  their  brigades,  yet  partially  intact,  from  joining- 
Thomas  by  deflecting  to  the  right  at  the  debouchure  of 
the  Dry  Valley  Road  near  Villetoe's — except  the  panic 
which  temporarily  seized  the  majority  from  generals 
to  privates.  That  this  could  have  been  done  was 
proven  by  the  arrival  on  the  ridge  of  the  Forty -fourth 
Indiana  and  Seventeenth  Kentucky  and  other  detach 
ments.  Also,  further  proven  by  the  passage  of  hun 
dreds  of  fugitives  over  the  right  of  the  ridge  in  rear 
of  Thomas,  whom  many  officers,  among  them  the  writer, 
tried  to  stop  by  persuasion  and  a  guard  line.  Failing 
in  this  Sheridan  and  Davis  could  have  gained  Thomas 
by  way  of  McFarland's  Gap  two  and  a  half  miles  north, 
with  the  greatest  ease.  But  instead  of  this  they  went 
on  to  Rossville,  and  as  all  the  histories  say,  which 
seems  farcical  to  the  writer,  effected  a  junction  with 
Thomas  by  the  La  Fayette  and  Dry  Valley  Roads! 
They  met  his  withdrawing  troops  after  dark,  too  late 
to  be  of  any  service.  Had  they  gone  to  the  ridge 
Thomas  most  probably  would  not  have  withdrawn 
at  all. 

In  the  disaster  that  swept  the  right  wing  from  the 
field,  Generals  Rosecrans,  McCook  and  Crittenden 


-142  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

became  involved  and  seemingly  lost  their  heads.  They 
all  went  to  Chattanooga  under  the  impression  that  the 
whole  left  center  had  been  routed,  a  fatal  mistake  for 
them  individually,  which  no  amount  of  explanations, 
especially  as  regards  the  two  latter,  could  ever  render 
satisfactory.  The  writer,  an  admirer  of  Rosecrans  now 
and  ever,  saw  the  commanding  General  pass  back  with 
some  of  his  Staff  and  escort,  and  was  near  enough  to 
be  impressed  with  the  idea  that  something  had  gone 
wrong  with  "Old  Rosy,"  what,  he  knew  not  at  the  time. 
As  this  occurred  on  one  of  the  spurs  of  Horseshoe,  it  is 
evidence  that  there  was  no  difficulty  about  joining 
Thomas  when  they  fell  back.  The  statement  is  given 
to  remove  one  of  the  many  myths  of  current  history. 

Meanwhile,  Bragg  had  again  attacked  on  our  left 
with  Breckinridge's  Division  and  Walker's  Corps,  sup 
ported  by  fighting  Pat.  Cleburne.  But  the  first  was 
utterly  routed  and  driven  from  the  field  by  the  bri 
gades  of  Willich,  Grose,  and  Vanderveer,  while  Walker 
and  Cleburne  met  with  the  same  fate  at  the  hands  of 
Baird,  Brannan  and  Reynolds.  These  repulses  were 
so  complete  that  later  in  the  day,  when  Longstreet 
sent  to  Bragg  for  reinforcements  from  the  right,  he 
was  informed  that  "The  right  had  been  beaten  back 
so  badly  as  to  be  of  no  service  to  me."  Vide  Long- 
streetVReport,  Reb.  Rec.,  Series  I,  Vol.  XXX,  Part  2, 
p.  289. 

General  Thomas  from  headquarters  at  the  Snod- 
grass  house  was  watching  the  progress  of  affairs  on 
the  left  all  unaware  of  the  defeat  on  our  right  until 
the  drifting  wreckage  from  that  quarter  arrested  his 
attention  between  eleven  and  twelve.  Apprehending 
the  situation,  the  Titanic  force  of  the  man  rose  equal 
to  the  occasion.  There  was  then  no  attack  on  the  left 
to  claim  attention,  and  riding  to  the  crest  above  the 
Snodgrass  house,  Thomas  at  once  began  concentrating 
all  of  the  forces  on  the  ridge  and  its  outliers,  in  front 
of  Longstreet.  He  had  left  for  the  battle  lines  per 
haps  twenty  thousand  men,  but  no  artillery.  The 
positions  were  admirable  for  defense,  the  ridge  proper, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  143 

and  the  spurs,  sloping  off  toward  the  enemy  in  all 
directions,  forty-five  degrees,  and  were  covered  with 
oak  and  other  trees.  Up  those  rugged  heights  the 
enemy  must  charge. 

Longstreet  and  his  soldiers,  exultant  with  victory, 
having  rested  and  re-formed  the  lines,  soon  appeared 
on  the  slopes.  As  they  came  into  musket  range,  our 
lines  opened  with  deadly  volleys  from  which  the  enemy 
recoiled,  only  to  charge  again.  The  heaviest  first 
attacks  fell  on  Wood  and  Brannan,  but  their  ranks 
remained  unbroken. 

During  a  part  of  the  time  the  writer  was  employed 
in  carding  ammunition  to  the  crest  by  order  of  Gen 
eral  Beatty,  who  was  everywhere  present,  and  carried 
ammunition  himself.    There  were  few  Generals  there 
with  commissions,  but  many  men  who  would  not  have 
disgraced  one.     On  one  part  of  the  ridge  there  were 
soldiers  of  a  score  of  regiments,  and  all  bent  to  the 
work  as  with  an  energy  born  of  despair,  none  wavered. 
But  there  was   one   General   present   worth  then 
10,000  men!     Calm,  cool  and  impassive,  with  such  a 
look  on  his  face  at  times  as  the  fabled  Imperial  Jove 
might  be  imagined  to  have    possessed,    bearing    the 
stamp  of  genius  and  God-like  attributes,  George  H. 
Thomas  stood  unmoved  and  immovable,  holding  in  his 
hand  that  day  the  fate  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumber 
land  and  of  the  Nation!    Well  did  he  earn  the  title, 
"Hock  of  Chickamauga."     In  the  long  list  of  generals 
and  heroes  Thomas  stands  as  far  above  all  as  the 
towering  mountain  top  above  the  hill  of  the  valley! 
Every  soldier  knew  that  Thomas  was  there  and  turned 
instinctively  as  he  rode  from  one  point  to  another  in 
the  lull  that  was  only  a  prelude  to  another  and  fiercer 
attack.     It  was  coming.     Bragg  and  Longstreet  were 
preparing  heavy  columns  to  be  hurled  against  the  right 
and  rear  on  that  flank  by  way  of  a  gorge  or  ravine 
having  its  entrance  at  the  west  end  of  Horseshoe  ridge, 
a  few  rods  only  from  the  Dry  Valley  Road.    The  time 
was  about  one,  and  it  was  a  serious  question  how  long 
the  attenuated  lines  could  resist  the  next  assaults. 


144  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Ammunition  was  running  low.  Some  fool  had  ordered 
or  taken  away  the  ordnance  trains  to  Kossville.  All 
felt  as  if  some  crisis  was  about  to  arrive  for  weal  or 
woe.  Thomas  and  others  were  watching  the  approach 
of  a  body  of  troops  from  the  rear.  They  might  be 
friends  or  foes.  Captain  Johnson,  of  Negley's  Staff, 
who  was  present,  rode  down  to  see.  They  marchecl  in 
quick  time  as  they  came  nearer,  the  Old  Flag  fluttered 
in  the  breeze  above  the  glittering  bayonets  of  Gran 
ger's  men,  four  thousand  strong.  Cheers  loud  and  long 
echoed  in  the  forest  glades  and  along  the  hills  and 
gorges  held  by  Thomas'  rnen^  and  a  devout  prayer  went 
up  from  many  a  heart  in  thankfulness.  The  day  was 
saved.  These  troops  were  Whittaker's  and  Mitchell's 
Brigades,  of  the  Reserve  Corps.  In  the  forenoon  they 
had  heard  away  off  at  Rossville  the  low  and  sullen 
boom  of  the  first  guns,  and  had  become  uneasy.  No 
orders  were  received  to  go  to  the  front,  but  feeling 
that  they  ought  to  be  there,  orders  or  no  orders,  the 
march  began.  At  their  head  rode  General  Steedman, 
who  had  assumed  the  responsibility  of  going  to  the 
relief  of  Thomas. 

Longstreet  had  again  advanced  with  the  forces  of 
Johnson,  Hindman  and  Kershaw,  and  had  gained  a 
part  of  the  ridge  on  the  right,  and  was  pressing  up 
the  gorge  when  the  two  brigades  led  by  Steedman 
appeared  on  the  field  and  quickly  deploying  in  line, 
charged  with  cheers  and  yells.  It  was  a  struggle  of 
Titans  and  the  slaughter  was  fearful.  Steedman's 
horse  being  shot  he  advanced  on  foot.  One  of  the 
regiments  wavering,  Steedman,  seizing  the  flag, 
shouted,  "Boys,  you  may  go  back,  this  flag  never!" 
They  charged  over  the  crest  driving  all  before  them; 
the  wave  rolling  up  the  gorge  was  pressed  back.  There 
were  more  charges  and  counter  charges  by  the  rebels 
when  the  bayonet  was  used,  but  the  victory  was  Steed 
man's,  and  the  rebels  falling  suddenly  back,  firing 
ceased  for  a  time.  It  was  then  that  Longstreet  called 
for  reinforcements  and  received  the  answer  already 
quoted.  He  then  organized  another  attack,  which 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  145^ 

began  at  four  and  lasted  until  dark.  In  this  last 
assault  were  the  ten  brigades  of  Hindman  and  the 
reserve  division  of  Preston  not  before  engaged,  or  only 
slightly. 

General  Thomas  had  also  reorganized  his  lines, 
robbed  the  dead  of  ammunition,  both  ours  and  the 
rebel  dead,  lying  by  hundreds  on  the  slopes,  and  was 
prepared  to  contest  to  the  last.  It  was  a  repetition 
of  former  charges  and  furiously  made.  Only  as  night 
approached  did  the  angry  waves  of  rebellion  recede, 
having  beaten  themselves  out  against  the  "Rock  of 
Chickamauga,"  and  the  gallant  defenders  of  the  flag. 
The  slaughter  on  both  sides  in  the  afternoon  in  some 
regiments  was  as  high  as  forty-five  per  cent  and  acres 
were  covered  with  the  dead  and  wounded.  At  one 
point  on  the  ridge  lay  sixty  dead  rebels  close  together. 
General  Beatty,  who  was  everywhere  a  conspicuous 
figure,  at  one  time  commanding,  at  another  carrying 
ammunition,  says,  "However  much  we  may  say  of 
those  who  held  command,  justice  compels  the  acknowl 
edgment  that  no  officer  exhibited  more  courage  on 
that  occasion  than,  the  humblest  private  in  the  ranks." 

The  battle  was  over  at  dark  except  a  few  slight 
outbreaks  here  and  there,  and  Thomas  held  secure 
possession  of  the  ridge,  but  in  obedience  to  an  order 
from  Eosecrans  received  soon  after  four,  directing  him 
to  retire  to  Kossville,  he  prepared  to  do  so  at  an  oppor 
tune  time.  General  Eosecrans  says  in  his  report,  "He 
was  to  use  his  discretion."  Everything  having  become 
quiet,  Eeynolds  began  the  movement  and  in  doing  so- 
ran  against  LiddelPs  Division,  advancing  to  attack  our 
left  near  the  La  Fayette  Road.  Eeynolds  quickly- 
formed  in  line  facing  the  enemy,  and  Turchin's  brigade 
charging  Avith  bayonets  drove  the  rebels  half  a  mile, 
capturing  three  hunderd  prisoners  and  two  cannon'. 
The  withdrawal  then  continued  without  interruption, 
and  all  the  divisions  reached  Eossville  before  mid 
night.  Colonel  Dan  McCook's  Brigade  of  the  Eeserve 
Corps,  which  had  covered  the  rear  during  Granger's 
advance,  also  assisted  in  protecting  the  line  of  retreat.. 


146  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Preceding  the  arrival  of  General  Thomas,  Negley  had 
been  busy  in  forming  a  new  line  of  defense  at  the 
southern  entrance  of  Rossville  Gap,  two  miles  from 
the  village.  Artillery  and  the  troops  he  had  taken  back 
or  ordered  back,  also  disorganized  fragments,  were 
placed  in  position. 

General  Rosecrans,  when  he  left  the  field  and 
arrived  there,  consulting  with  Garfield  and  others, 
and  on  the  supposition  of  a  total  defeat,  was  advised 
to  go  on  to  Chattanooga  and  prepare  to  receive  the 
army  if  defeated  and  to  hold  the  town  if  possible. 
While  he  did  so,  Garfield  was  sent  to  the  front  for  defi 
nite  information  which  he  at  once  obtained  and  for 
warded  to  Rosecrans.  General  Rosecrans  arrived  in 
Chattanooga  a  broken-hearted  man,  but  the  new^s  from 
the  front  roused  him  to  action.  He  at  once  sent  McCook 
and  Crittenden  to  their  commands.  What  a  spectacle 
for  two  corps  commanders!  He  also  sent  supplies  of 
rations  forward  to  Rossville  for  the  nearly  starved  sol 
diers,  and  thereafter  was  himself  again.  General 
Rosecrans'  mistake  w^as  in  not  joining  Thomas.  Had 
he  done  so  Bragg,  not  Thomas,  would  have  retreated. 
There  can  be  no  doubt  about  this,  and  hundreds  of 
high  authorities  have  so  expressed  themselves. 

The  night  of  the  20th  was  spent  by  General  Thomas 
in  reorganizing  the  army  and  disposing  it  in  positions 
for  defense  should  the  enemy  advance.  To  add  to  its 
strength  Minty's  mounted  infantry,  which  had  not  been 
in  the  fight,  but  were  on  the  left,  was  called  in  and 
several  regiments  from  the  rear  arrived. 

General  Beatty,  who  says  that  at  dark  he  had  no 
idea  that  the  army  would  retire,  and  who  came  near 
riding  into  a  rebel  brigade  after  dark,  supposing  them 
to  be  our  own  men,  arrived  at  Rossville  in  the  night  and 
hunted  up  the  Brigade.  The  writer  was  wounded  and 
captured  on  Horseshoe  ridge. 

At  daylight  on  the  21st  Beatty's  Brigade  was  put 
in  position  in  the  front  line  on  the  ridge  near  Ross- 
ville.  The  rebel  advance  did  not  appear  until  nearly 
noon,  when  Beatty  engaged  them  (DibrelPs  Brigade) 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  147 

in  skirmishing,  and  finally  made  a  charge,  driving  the 
enemy  from  the  field,  leaving  a  number  of  killed  and 
wounded.  Captain  Leighton,  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  was  severely  wounded,  and  two  others  slightly 
wounded.  Other  forces  of  the  enemy  appeared  on  the 
left  and  on  the  right  in  Chattanooga  Valley,  but  did 
not  attack.  Their  movements  were  merely  tentative  and, 
as  afterward  known,  Bragg's  army  had  been  too  badly 
shattered  to  do  more  at  that  time  than  demonstrate. 
He  also  believed  that  Eosecrans  had  been  strongly 
reinforced  by  Burnside  and  other  troops.  Htrange, 
but  Bragg  first  learned  of  his  victory  through 
northern  sources,  and  then  advanced. 

Rossville  being  in  every  way  unsuitable  for  attack 
or  defense  except  in  front,  General  Thomas  advised 
General  Kosecrans  to  withdraw  the  army  to  Chatta 
nooga.  The  movement  began  at  nine  on  the  evening 
of  the  21st,  slowly  and  carefully,  and  at  daylight  on 
the  22d  the  shattered  but  reunited  Army  of  the  Cum 
berland  stood  defiant  behind  the  defenses  of  Chatta 
nooga,  which  three  months  before  it  had  set  out  to 
capture. 

Thus  closed  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  the  blood 
iest  of  the  war  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged, 
the  loss  on  both  sides  approximating  34,000  men  in 
killed,  wounded  and  missing.  The  aggregate  loss  of 
the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  16,336,  specifically 
as  follows:  132  officers  killed,  592  wounded,  270  miss 
ing;  1,555  enlisted. men  killed,  8,820  wounded,  4,985 
missing.  Bragg  lost  2,673  killed,  16,274  wounded,  2,003 
missing,  making  a  total  of  20,950.  As  a  large  number 
of  the  missing  were  killed,  they  must  be  considered  in 
the  estimate.  Our  loss  in  material  was  immense,  being 
36  cannon,  15,000  small  arms,  large  quantities  of  am 
munition,  besides  wagons  and  supplies  of  all  kinds. 
Captain  Porter,  of  the  Ordnance  Bureau,  estimated 
that  our  troops  expended  2,650,000  rounds  of  musket 
cartridges  and  7,325  rounds  of  cannon  ammunition. 

The  fighting  qualities  displayed  on  both  sides  were 
of  a  character  to  reflect  credit  on  American  valor,  while 


148  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  glories  of  Chickamauga  belong  equalty  to  all  parts, 
of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  for  all  were  repre 
sented  in  it,  even  the  brigades  that  were  overwhelmed 
on  the  right,  having  previous  to  that  event  done  des 
perate  fighting  and  lost  heavily  in  killed  and  wounded. 
But  the  battle  was  a  necessity,  and  while  at  first  dis 
appointing  to  the  north,  when  it  came  to  be  under 
stood  in  its  full  meaning,  was  recognized  as  one  of  the 
decisive  battles  of  the  war.  Such  an  one  cannot  be 
produced  by  the  mere  defeat  of  an  army.  It  is  the 
consequences,  military  and  political,  that  flow  from 
it  in  such  a  way  as  to  foreshadow  and  govern  the  ulti 
mate  result  to  the  contending  parties  or  nation.  These 
were  far  reaching  as  soon  appeared.  Viewed  in  this 
light,  Chickamauga  proved  to  be  a  great  turning  point 
in/the  history  of  the  war  on  both  sides. 

The  Confederates  who  had  made  the  most  tremen 
dous  preparations  and  concentrated  large  armies  to 
annihilate  that  of  Rosecrans,  exhausting  in  the  effort 
the  resources  of  the  south,  failed  in  all  their  objects, 
wrhich  they  avowed  to  be  not  only  complete  victory 
in  battle,  but  also  the  re-possession  of  Chattanooga, 
and  the  re-conquest  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  they 
confidently  predicting  that  those  results  being  accom 
plished,  the  recognition  of  the  Confederate  States  and 
the  termination  of  the  war  must  follow.  But  none 
of  their  fond  expectations  were  to  be  realized.  Their 
victory  was  a  barren  one,  wholly  disappointing  to  Jeff. 
Davis  and  his  people,  who  expected  larger  results  after 
such  tremendous  sacrifices.  But  few  such  victories 
could  be  afforded.  Therefore  after  a  brief  period  of 
self-glorification,  they  began  to  find  fault  with  General 
Bragg  and  his  conduct  of  a  campaign  that  offered 
opportunities  seldom  given  to  any  commander.  Bragg 
in  turn,  to  defend  his  own  fame  as  a  General,  found 
fault  with  his  subordinates.  Meanwhile  unable  to 
attack  Rosecrans  in  his  stronghold,  he  settled  down 
with  his  army  to  besiege  his  enemy  and  endeavor  to 
accomplish  by  starvation  what  he  had  no  hope  of  doing 
bv  battle. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  149 

INCIDENTS   AT   CHICKAMAUGA. 

Narrative  of  First  Sergeant  (later  Lieutenant)  Phi 
lander  Talbot,  of  Company  B : 

"At  the  time  of  our  repulse  on  the  left  at  Chicka- 
mauga,  in  falling  back  from  the  skirmish  line,  I 
became  separated  from  the  Regiment  and  fell  back 
with  others  to  Horseshoe'  ridge.  When  I  arrived  I 
found  several  officers  there  urging  the  men  to  make 
a  stand.  They  represented  that  reinforcements  were 
coming  and  that  we  would  yet  win  the  day.  Lieu 
tenant  Calkins,  of  Beatty's  Staff,  was  there  among 
others.  Most  of  the  men  were  willing  to  stay,  though 
some  having  lost  their  regiments,  went  to  the  rear. 
We  immediately  went  to  work  to  strengthen  our  posi 
tion,  but  had  done  scarcely  anything  when  the  rebels 
attacked  and  tried  to  drive  us  from  the  ridge,  but 
were  repulsed  by  the  steady  fire  of  our  men.  We  then 
built  slight  barricades  with  what  loose  material  we 
could  find.  While  doing  this  the  rebels  made  another 
attack  and  were  again  driven  down  the  hill.  By  this 
time  our  ammunition  was  nearly  gone  and  the  dead 
and  wounded  were  searched  and  what  they  had  left  in 
their  cartridge  boxes  was  distributed.  Reinforcements 
(Steedman's  Division)  had  arrived  and  borne  the  brunt 
of  the  last  attack.  About  sundown  the  enemy  made 
a  third  desperate  attempt  to  take  the  ridge,  when  they 
were  driven  as  before  and  charged  with  the  bayonet 
beyond  their  own  former  positions.  Our  boys  then 
struck  up  the  "Battle  Cry  of  Freedom,"  the  whole  line 
taking  up  the  strain,  and  when  they  came  to  the  words, 
"Down  with  the  traitors,  up  with  the  Stars,"  every 
fellow  emphasized  them  with  a  vim  that  made  the 
woods  and  rocky  hills  ring.  It  was  one  instance  where 
"Music  hath  charms  to  soothe  a  savage  breast,"  for 
although  the  firing  continued  for  some  time  there  was 
no  further  effort  made  to  drive  us  from  the  ridge,  and 
about  7:30  we  moved  toward  Rossville." 

James  C.  Deegan,  of  Company  G,  says :  "After  our 
fight  at  Chickamauga  on  the  20th,  P.  A.  Hawke,  J.  F. 
Diehl,  H.  Campbell,  F.  L.  Pound  and  myself  assisted 


150  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  hauling  off  some  of  the  guns  of  Bridges'  Battery 
as  the  rebels  were  about  to  take  them.  Hawk  spiked 
one  of  the  guns  captured  by  the  rebels  and  while  doing 
it  was  struck  by  a  spent  ball  which  left  a  scar  over 
his  eye.  We  did  not  get  back  to  the  Regiment  until 
the  22d,  and  bore  with  us  a  complimentary  note  from 
Captain  Bridges  to  explain  our  absence." 

William  M.  Wilson,  of  Company  E,  says:  "On  Fri 
day  night  of  September  18th,  when  the  Brigade  had 
reached  the  position  assigned  to  it,  I  was  one  of  six 
detailed  to  go  on  picket  duty  down  near  Chickamauga 
Creek.  We  expected  to  be  relieved  in  the  morning,, 
but  were  not,  and  remained  there  all  day,  the  artillery 
firing  over  our  heads.  There  were  numbers  on  this 
picket  line  and  toward  night  some  of  the  officers 
becoming  uneasy  went  back  to  the  hill  for  orders,  but 
returned  and  said  the  Brigade  had  gone  and  that  they 
saw  several  new  made  graves.  It  was  then  about 
sundown  and  fortunately  some  of  our  cavalry  came 
along  and  told  us  we  had  better  get  out  quick,  which 
we  did,  and  by  keeping  under  cover  of  the  timber 
and  brush  at  last  reached  Crawfish  Springs,  when  our 
surgeons  wanted  us  for  nurses  in  the  field  hospital 
there,  but  we  declined  and  left  in  a  hurry,  and  finally 
Joe  Wilson  and  myself  reached  the  Glenn  House,  Rose- 
crans'  headquarters,  where  we  lay  down  and  tried  to 
sleep.  In  the  morning  we  found  the  Regiment  and 
inarched  witli  it  to  the  left,  when  I  went  on  the  skir 
mish  line  with  the  rest  and  did  what  I  could  to  keep 
back  the  four  or  five  lines  of  rebels  advancing  on  us. 
There  were  just  acres  of  them  and  we  fired  and  finally 
fell  back,  stopping  again  to  fire  as  we  went  and  making 
another  stand  at  the  road.  From  there  we  went  to  the 
ridge  about  half  a  mile,  and  at  night  arrived  at  Ross- 
ville." 

First  Sergeant  George  Marsh,  of  Company  D,  says 
in  regard  to  Chickamauga :  "On  the  19th  we  lay  around 
our  battery  on  a  hill  near  Chickamauga  Creek  and  lis 
tened  half  a  day  to  the  roar  of  the  rebel  guns  and 
ours.  Captain  Bridges,  losing  a  number  of  his  men,, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  151 

a  detail  from  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  helped  to 
work  the  battery,  ,and  here  several  were  badly  wounded. 
About  one  p.  m.  our  batteries  succeeded  in  silencing 
the  rebel  guns  and  soon  after  they  seemed  to  be  with 
drawing  down  the  creek.  The  roar  of  battle  all  day 
had  been  tremendous  on  the  left  and  we  soon  moved 
in  that  direction.  As  we  approached  Crawfish  Springs 
the  movement  of  our  armies  for  concentration  was  a 
grand  sight.  As  we  drew  near  the  battlefield  on  the 
left  the  roar  of  the  artillery  increased  and  we  soon  dis 
tinguished  the  crashing  sound  of  musketry,  and  met 
long  lines  of  ambulances  with  blood  dripping  from 
nearly  all,  and  from  some  very  fast;  these  were  going 
to  the  field  hospitals.  We  arrived  on  the  field  about 
dark  and  in  time  to  see  a  most  magnificent  charge  by 
Wilder's  mounted  infantry,  which  formed  on  our  right 
and  rode  forward  into  the  thick  woods,  where  we 
saw  *no  more  of  them,  but  heard  from  their  Spencer 
repeating  rifles  the  most  continuous  and  rapid  fire  I 
had  ever  listened  to,  accompanied  by  the  sharp  crack 
of  their  light  howitzers.  The  rebels  were  equally  in 
earnest,  for  they  had  immense  masses  of  infantry  there 
in  the  dark  woods  waiting  for  them.  They  also  had  a 
heavy  gun  that  gave  a  deep  growl  about  once  a  min 
ute  and  shook  the  ground  where  we  stood  formed  in 
squares  ready  to  show  what  we  were  there  for  if  Wilder 
should  be  driven  back,  but  he  was  not.  We  then 
went  back  behind  a  little  ridge  to  sleep — perchance  to 
dream  of  home. 

"On  the  morning  of  the  20th  we  were  sent  to  the 
extreme  left  and  soon  a  tremendous  battle  was  raging 
all  along  the  line.  We  were  formed  in  some  timber  on 
level  ground  and  our  skirmishers  were  sent  out  when 
we  advanced,  but  we  soon  met  the  rebels  four  lines 
deep  and  were  driven  back.  We  were  attacked  by 
Adams'  Brigade,  of  Breckinridge's  Division.  At  the 
order  of  Colonel  Hapeman  we  fired  by  volley  into  their 
ranks,  but  without  stopping  them  in  the  least.  They 
came  on  steadily  with  their  light  wool  hats  pulled 
down  over  their  eyes,  like  men  breasting  a  storm.  Our 


152  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

light  line  was  soon  obliged  to  fall  back  to  a  road  in 
our  rear  (the  La  Fayette  Road),  where  we  again  formed 
near  our  battery  and  made  further  resistance,  but 
were  unable  to  stop  them.  I  had  been  wounded  in  the 
first  attack  and  felt  as  though  struck  by  a  whip;  there 
was  no  time  then  to  examine  the  wound  and  I  assisted 
in  removing  one  of  the  guns,  when  we  retired  to  the 
ridge.  At  the  road  there  was  more  or  less  excitement. 
Colonel  Hapeman  was  doing  his  best,  as  also  Major 
Widmer  to  hold  the  Kegiment  firm.  Lieutenant  Rood, 
of  Company  G,  said,  'They  are  just  as  tired  of  this  as 
you  are.'  Lieutenant  Clark  was  disgusted  because  his 
revolver  would  not  go  off.  Lieutenant  Wm.  C.  Ross, 
of  Company  B,  who  was  a  giant  in  stature,  had  hold 
of  a  sapling  with  his  left  hand,  and  waving  his  sword 
with  his  right,  shouted,  'Come  on;  I  aiii  enough  for  a 
whole  regiment  of  you  my  self. '  I  have  no  doubt  but 
that  he  felt  so.  Sergeant  W.  H.  H.  Hutton,  of  'Com 
pany  D,  who  had  been  promoted  to  Color  Sergeant  on 
the  field  in  place  of  James  G.  Seward,  of  Company  E, 
mortally  wounded,  shouted,  'Just  as  well,  boys,  to  die 
right  here  as  anywhere.'  Colonel  Hapeman  was  not 
excited  and  I  will  say  that  I  never  knew  him  to  seek 
cover  under  fire,  though  he  required  the  men  to  lie 
down  unless  a  charge  was  ordered.  Major  Widmer 
was  very  active  and  efficient  all  through  the  battle  and 
brave  as  a  lion,  all  said." 


154  THE  ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

The  rebels  did  not  advance  in  force  until  the  22d, 
when  they  began  taking  position  from  Mission  Ridge 
on  the  east  to  Lookout  Mountain  on  the  west,  south 
west  from  Chattanooga,  but  their  heaviest  forces  were 
placed  in  the  valley  closely  confronting  our  lines  there,, 
covering  on  their  left  flank  the  base  of  Lookout  to 
Chattanooga  Creek,  which  near  by  runs  into  the  Ten 
nessee.  They  also  occupied  Lookout  Mountain  on  the 
23d,  (our  small  forces  withdrawing  as  they  approached) 
and  began  erecting  works  preparatory  to  planting  a 
battery  with  which  to  shell  the  town,  three  miles  dis 
tant,  also  Moccasin  Point,  opposite  and  across  the  river. 

The  Tennessee  flowing  by  the  north  side  of  the 
city  makes  a  sudden  curve  at  the  western  extremity 
southward,  until  striking  the  base  of  Lookout  it  runs 
west  for  a  short  distance,  and  then  flows  northward 
again,  forming  a  peninsula  of  the  exact  shape  of  a 
moccasin.  General  Longstreet  was  sent  to  occupy 
Lookout  Valley  west  of  the  Mountain.  These  disposi 
tions  enabled  Bragg  to  cut  off  all  communications 
between  Chattanooga  and  Bridgeport  by  way  of  the 
river  and  railroad  on  which  the  beleaguered  army  was 
dependent  for  food  for  man  and  beast,  except  by  the 
wagon  road  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  sixty  miles 
long,  over  Walden's  Ridge,  and  thence  down  the 
Sequatchie  Valley  to  Bridgeport.  This  rendered  sup 
plies  uncertain  even  in  good  weather,  and  as  the  rains 
soon  set  in  the  road  became  almost  impassable,  and, 
moreover,  Avas  exposed  to  raids  should  Bragg's  Cavalry 
cross  the  river. 

On  the  22d  Rosecrans'  army  numbered  35,000  men 
and  he  had  on  hand  fifteen  days7  rations,  so  the  pros 
pect  for  starvation  not  far  in  the  future  was  very 
good.  Later  General  Bragg  sent  word  that  he  intended 
to  keep  our  army  there  until  it  appreciated  mule  meat 
and  horse  flesh.  The  first  work  of  the  army  was  to 
make  the  town  impregnable  to  attack,  and  working 
day  and  night  this  was  done  in  a  few  days,  but  elab 
orate  fortifications  were  planned  and  carried  to  com 
pletion  more  leisurely.  On  the  24th  General  Rose- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  155- 

crans  telegraphed  the  President  that  he  could  not  be 
dislodged.     Many  thanks  were  due  to  Bragg  for  hav 
ing  left  some  partial  defenses  when  he  retreated  and 
Bragg  afterward  expressed  his  regret  for  doing  so. 
As  it  appears  the  rebel  commander  expected  Rosecrans 
would  not  attempt  to  hold  Chattanooga,  and  his  signal 
officers  and  scouts  reported  on  the  22d,  23d  and  24th 
that    Rosecrans    was    moving    his    trains    and    much 
infantry  across  the  Tennessee,  which  implied  retreat. 
On     the  24th     Bragg     demonstrated     along     our 
front    and    in    the  skirmishing,  which  lasted  all  day, 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged,  Fort  Neg- 
ley  taking  a  part  by  shelling  the  rebels  over  the  heads 
of  our  troops.     But  it  became  evident  to  Bragg  very 
soon  that  no  retreat  was  intended  and  he  began  for 
tifying  his  lines  with  rifle  pits  and  forts  across  the 
valley,  and  on  the  slopes  of  Mission  Ridge,  there  being 
no'less  than  two  or  three  lines  of  rifle  pits  along  the 
base  of  the  latter  and  one  on  the  top  with  earthworks 
for  batteries,  extending  at  least  three  miles.    Lookout 
Mountain  fortified  by  nature  on  every  hand,  was  fur 
ther  guarded  on  top  by  rifle  pits  along  the  north  and 
west  sides,  and  two    miles    south,  by    another    line 
extending  east  and  west  across  the  mountain.     Large 
portions  of  these  as  well  as  those  along  Mission  Ridge 
can  still  be  seen.     Away  up  on  the  northeast  side  of 
Lookout,  eighteen  hundred  feet  above  the  valley  below, 
are  the  palisades  of  perpendicular  sandstone  three  hun 
dred  feet  high,  and  beneath  these  the  Craven  house 
and  farm  of  forty  acres,  the  ground  sloping  off  steeply, 
but  cleared.     Here  the  rebels  took  great  pains  to  for 
tify  the  front  looking  toward  Chattanooga,  but  they 
left  the  back  door  open  toward  Lookout  Valley,  and 
through  this  Hooker  afterward  walked  in  while  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  knocked  at  the  front.     On 
the  26th  the  enemy  attacked  our  picket  lines  on  the 
left  early  in  the  morning,  but  after  sharp  firing  was 
driven  back.     General  Palmer  received  a  severe  flesh 
wound.    Under  a  flag  of  truce  arrangements  were  made 
for  the  paroling  and  removal  of  our  wounded  from  the 


.156  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

hospitals  on  the  battlefield  to  Chattanooga,  except  a 
number  of  cases  too  severe  to  permit  of  it.  Medical 
officers  and  supplies  had  been  left  with  them  when 
the  army  fell  back.  Taking  care  of  the  thousands  of 
wounded  taxed  the  resources  of  the  Medical  Corps  to 
the  utmost  and  being  unable  to  quarter  all  in  build 
ings,  a  large  tent  capable  of  holding  fifteen  hundred, 
was  erected.  Hospitals  were  established  also  at  other 
points.  Fortunately  two  hundred  bales  of  cotton  were 
found  in  the  town  and  nearly  two  hundred  men  were 
detailed  to  make  it  up  into  mattresses,  so  that  in  a 
few  days  all  the  wounded  had  comfortable  beds.  If 
Bragg  had  ever  contemplated  attacking  it  was  then 
too  late.  It  was  evident  that  matters  had  settled  down 
to  a  regular  siege,  in  which  starvation  was  to  do  the 
work  that  Bragg's  army  could  not  accomplish.  Long- 
street  had  suggested  a  movement  northward,  hoping 
to  oblige  Rosecrans  to  retreat,  but  Bragg  did  'not 
favor  it. 

Meantime  the  besieged  army  settled  down  to  await 
events  and  with  that  adaptability  to  circumstances 
which  every  soldier  soon  acquires,  proceeded  to  make 
itself  at  home  by  the  construction  of  quarters  from 
the  debris  of  houses  in  the  town.  There  was  an  abun 
dance  of  brick  and  clay  and  these  were  utilized  in  the 
walls  and  chimneys;  the  shelter  tents  served  for  roofs. 
The  structures  were  very  small,  but  comfortable.  These 
quarters  dotted  the  hillsides  and  valleys  in  the  town, 
and  carried  one  back  to  the  time  when  the  Indians 
occupied  here  very  similar  abodes,  which  the  early 
pioneers  taught  them  to  build.  It  is  related  by  General 
Beatty,  of  two  soldiers,  that  while  in  their  kennel  one 
day  a  rebel  shell  from  Lookout  dropped  inside,  when 
one  turning  to  the  other  said :  "There,  you  blanked  fool, 
what  did  you  leave  the  door  open  for?" 

Very  soon  after  getting  settled  down  with  no  fight 
ing  to  do  in  the  field,  the  thoughts  of  all  and  the 
tongues  of  all  were  busy  in  discussing  the  recent  battle 
and  the  actions  of  McCook,  Crittenden  and  Negley,  but 
•especially  the  two  former.  This  was  to  bear  fruit  soon 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  157' 

after  in  the  removal  of  those  gentlemen  to  await  the 
slow  proceedings  of  courts  of  inquiry.  As  to  General 
Kosecrans  he  still  had  the  confidence  of  the  army  and 
it  would  have  continued  to  fight  under  him  so  long  as 
Thomas  was  his  great  Lieutenant,  for  they,  consider 
ing  the  past,  looked  upon  the  two  as  a  combination 
possessed  of  all  the  elements  necessary  to  success. 
They  saw  no  reason  why  he  should  be  shelved  for  one 
mistake  any  more  than  Grant  for  Pittsburg  Landing, 
saved  by  BuelPs  army,  and  superseded  by  Halleck  for 
a  time. 

Matters  in  Chattanooga  remained  comparatively 
quiet  until  October  5th,  when  the  rebels  at  one  p.  m. 
opened  with  their  battery  on  Lookout  and  two  guns 
from  Mission  Ridge,  but  the  range  was  too  great  and 
little  damage  beyond  wounding  one  soldier,  followed. 

On  the  9th  in  accordance  with  orders  from  the  War 
Department,  the  Twentieth  and  Twenty-first  Corps 
were  consolidated  and  became  the  Fourth  Corps  with 
General  Gordon  Granger  as  commander.  This  retired 
McCook  and  Crittenden.  There  was  also  a  new  organ 
ization  of  brigades  and  divisions  consequent  on  the 
consolidation.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was 
assigned  to  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  Four 
teenth  Corps,  General  W.  P.  Carlin  commanding  the 
Brigade,  and  Rosseau,  afterward  General  R.  W.  John 
son,  the  Division.  The  other  regiments  of  the  Brigade 
were  the  Second,  Thirty -third  and  Ninety-fourth  Ohio, 
the  Tenth  Wisconsin,  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky,  the 
Thirty-eighth,  Forty-second  and  Eighty-eighth  Indiana, 
nine  in  all,  with  an  aggregate  of  2,072  men,  or  about 
230  to  the  regiment.  In  the  Department  General  Reyn 
olds  was  made  Chief  of  Staff,  General  W.  F.  Smith 
Chief  Engineer,  and  General  Brannan  Chief  of  Artil 
lery.  All  of  these  changes  had  become  necessary  and 
were  regarded  favorably  by  the  army,  which  realized 
that  the  present  inactivity  could  not  continue  for  any 
long  period.  The  rations  were  daily  becoming  shorter 
and  forage  for  the  animals  impossible  to  obtain.  They 
began  dying  rapidly,  and  many  were  turned  loose 


158  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

among  the  hills  and  mountains  on  the  north  side  to 
pick  up  a  living  but  eventually  to  die  of  slow  starva 
tion. 

The  rebel  General  Wheeler,  having  succeeded  in 
crossing  the  Tennessee  with  a  large  cavalry  force  on 
October  1st,  made  a  raid  on  our  line  of  supply  to 
Bridgeport,  and  at  Anderson's  Cross-roads,  destroyed 
a  train  of  three  hundred  wagons  loaded  with  supplies. 
Colonel  McCook,  moving  from  Bridgeport,  overtook 
Wheeler's  forces  and  drove  them  across  the  valley,  kill 
ing  some  and  recapturing  eight  hundred  mules  and 
wagons.  Wheeler,  who  had  three  columns,  moved 
nearly  to  Murfreesboro,  doing  much  damage,  but  being 
pursued  by  all  our  cavalry  in  which  he  lost  heavily  by 
fighting  and  desertions,  was  glad  to  escape  across  the 
Tennessee  in  a  disorganized  condition. 

The  question  of  supplies  for  the  besieged  was  the 
vital  one  and  demanded  immediate  solution.  General 
Hooker  had  been  sent  with  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth 
Corps  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  to  Bridgeport  in 
anticipation  of  movements  to  be  undertaken  for  the 
raising  of  the  siege. 

Bragg's  army  having  control  of  the  river  on  the 
south  side,  Rosecrans  prepared  plans  to  dislodge  him 
by  a  movement  of  Hooker  from  Bridgeport,  supported 
by  forces  from  Chattanooga.  A  steamboat  at  the  lat 
ter  place  was  repaired  and  a  new  one  built  at  Bridge 
port.  Pontoons  were  also  constructed,  all  under  the 
supervision  of  General  W.  F.  Smith.  In  the  midst  of 
these  preparations,  General  Rosecrans  was  relieved 
from  command  by  virtue  of  an  order  from  the  Presi 
dent  of  October  16th.  The  same  order  created  a  new 
Military  Department  with  General  Grant  as  Com- 
mander-in-Chief,  and  this  new  Division  included  Ten 
nessee.  At  the  same  time  General  Thomas  was 
appointed  to  command  the  Army  and  Department  of 
the  Cumberland.  General  Rosecrans  leaving  his  fare 
well  order  to  the  army  to  be  read  after  he  left,  started 
for  Cincinnati  on  the  evening  of  the  19th.  When  the 
order  became  known  there  was  much  regret  among  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  159 

soldiers,  with  whom  he  had  lost  none  of  his  popularity. 
Had  not  General  Thomas  been  appointed  to  succeed 
him,  there  would  have  been  the  greatest  dissatisfac 
tion  if  not  open  rebellion. 

General  Rosecrans  was  a  man  who  had  many  ene 
mies  and  was  often  hasty  and  imperious  to  his  supe 
riors  andjiot  sparing  in  his  criticisms  of  them.  He  had 
while  in  Mississippi,  not  hesitated  to  criticise  General 
Grant,  which  in  time  was  sure  to  bear  fruit.  But  his 
time  had  come,  and  the  greatest  strategist  of  the  war 
must  step  down.  Time  will  only  increase  the  estimate 
of  the  great  services  he  performed  in  the  most  critical 
period  of  the  war  and  cannot  lessen  his  fame. 

General  Grant  on  assuming  command,  which  he 
did  at  once,  telegraphed  General  Thomas  to  hold  Chat 
tanooga  at  all  hazards.  To  this  he  replied,  "We  will 
hold  the  town  till  we  starve."  The  army  was  then  on 
quarter  rations  and  it  was  no  uncommon  thing  to  see 
soldiers  following  the  wagons  in  order  to  pick  up  any 
grains  of  corn  or  bits  of  hard-tack  that  might  fall  out, 
while  the  horses  ,and  mules  lost  so  much  of  their  scanty 
allowance  of  three  or  four  ears  per  day  that  it  became 
necessary  to  guard  them  while  eating.  There  was  an 
abundance  of  oak  trees  between  the  town  and  Mission 
Ridge  and  elsewhere.  The  rebels  were  in  possession 
of  the  greater  part  of  this  space,  their  picket  lines  in 
front,  but  our  boys,  or  some  of  them,  looked  with  long 
ing  at  those  trees,  believing  that  acorns  would  prove 
an  acceptable  article  of  diet  and  help  to  fill  an  empty 
void,  so  many  attempts  were  made  on  dark  nights  to 
get  them.  Marshall  Bagwill,  of  Company  G,  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth,  thus  relates  his  experience:  "While 
on  picket  in  front  of  town  and  being  very  hungry,  I 
located  an  oak  tree  during  the  day  near  the  rebel  line, 
which  I  concluded  had  plenty  of  acorns  on  it,  and 
resolved  to  get  some  after  dark.  Wlien  night  came  I 
crawled  out,  but  observing  a  rebel  picket  not  far  from 
the  tree,  was  obliged  to  crawl  around  him.  This  occu 
pied  an  hour,  but  I  finally  succeeded  in  climbing  the 
tree  and  filled  my  pockets  with  acorns,  and  they  proved 


160  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

to  be  very  sweet  and  good.  I  then  returned  as  care- 
fully  as  I  went!"  This  simple  tale  shows  the  great 
privations  to  which  the  army  had  been  reduced,  but 
amid  all  there  was  a  feeling  that  relief  would  soon 
come  and  the  universal  sentiment  was,  starve  but  never 
surrender! 

The  days  dragged  slowly  on.  Firing  on  the 
picket  lines  had  ceased  by  mutual  agreement  and  the 
pickets  frequently  .met  to  compare  notes,  exchange 
tobacco,  coffee  and  newspapers.  These  meetings  did 
good  rather  than  harm  to  our  side.  Neither  party  were 
there  in  hostile  array  because  they  hated  each  other, 
except  in  rare  instances,  but  because  they  had  an  idea 
that  they  were  fighting  for  principles  and  rights.  The 
war  was  the  inevitable  consequence  of  the  two  systems 
of  what  we  call  civilization,  so  absolutely  antagonistic, 
however,  in  their  teaching  and  tendencies  that  the 
struggle  had  to  come,  and  therefore  all,  except  the  most 
radical,  were  inclined  to  make  it  as  humane  as  pos 
sible,  on  our  side  to  temper  firmness  and  zeal  with 
due  consideration  for  the  masses  of  their  enemies, 
whom  they  considered  as  the  tools  of  a  slave-ruling 
oligarchy,  which  was  true  beyond  all  question.  The 
writer  desires  to  observe  here  as  a  result  that  cannot 
be  denied,  that  the  war  made  the  thinking,  intelligent 
soldiers  of  both  sections,  better,  more  patriotic  and 
conservative  citizens,  and  in  that  view  alone  was  not 
only  an  educator,  but  a  national  blessing. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  moved  on  the 
15th  over  to  the  river  nearer  Lookout,  and  there 
after  did  picket  duty  along  Chattanooga  Creek,  the 
rebels  holding  the  south  bank.  General  Rosecrans 
having  possession  of  Moccasin  Point  had  placed  some 
heavy  guns  there  which  frequently  exchanged  compli 
ment's  with  the  rebel  battery  on  Lookout,  but  beyond 
amusing  the  boys  and  relieving  the  general  monotony, 
neither  did  much  damage  except  to  ammunition. 

General  Grant  arrived  on  the  23d,  and  on  the  24th, 
accompanied  by  General  Thomas  and  General  Smith, 
made  a  thorough  reconnoissance  of  the  Tennessee  below 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  161 

Chattanooga  on  the  proposed  line  of  operations  against 
Longstreet,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  upon  the 
plans  already  prepared  for  opening  the  river  and  rais 
ing  the  siege.  General  Grant  having  approved  of  all 
that  was  proposed,  General  Thomas  hastened  forward 
the  enterprise  so  quickly  and  quietly  that  almost  before 
our  army  realized  what  had  been  done,  success  crowned 
his  efforts  and  the  blockade  of  the  river  was  at  an  end. 
That  very  day,  the  24th,  General  Thomas  ordered 
Hooker  to  concentrate  the  Eleventh  Corps  and  one 
division  of  the  Twelfth  (Geary's)  at  Bridgeport,  ready 
to  cross  the  river  and  advance  toward  Lookout  Valley. 
Hooker  was  to  arrive  in  the  valley  on  the  28th,  which 
he  did.  The  greatest  secrecy  and  nicety  of  calculation 
for  the  corresponding  movement  from  Chattanooga 
wras  necessary,  and  to  General  W.  F.  Smith,  who  com 
manded  the  expedition,  was  also  due  the  credit  for  all 
the  details  of  arrangement.  The  night  of  the  26th 
was  fixed  for  the  movement,  and  under  cover  of  the 
darkness  sixteen  hundred  picked  men  under  General 
Hazen  were  embarked  on  fifty  pontoon  boats  and  two 
flats,  in  companies  of  tw^enty-five  each  and  an  officer. 
General  Turchin  with  his  own  brigade,  the  rest  of 
Hazen's,  and  Major  Mendenhall  with  three  batteries, 
went  overland  across  the  peninsula  to  Brown's  Ferry, 
where  the  landing  was  to  be  made,  and  remained  con 
cealed  in  the  woods,  ready  to  cross  when  the  boat  expe 
dition  should  become  established  on  the  southwest 
side,  or  cover  it  in  case  of  failure.  At  three  a.  in.  on 
the  27th,  the  boats  manned  by  oarsmen,  moved  down 
the  river  close  to  the  right  bank.  The  moon  was 
obscured  by  clouds,  and  there  was  a  mist  hanging  over 
the  river.  It  was  nine  miles  around  to  the  place  of 
landing,  seven  of  which  was  patroled  by  rebel  pickets 
on  the  left  shore,  while  opposite  Moccasin  Point,  Look 
out  frowned  down  upon  them.  But  the  trip  \vas  made 
in  safety,  and  as  the  first  boat  arrived,  the  pickets 
fired  a  volley  and  fled.  All  the  men  then  quickly 
disembarked  and  forming  in  line  rushed  up  the  hill, 
where,  meeting  a  small  force,  they  dispersed  it  and 


162  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

began  fortifying.  Meantime,  Turchin's  and  Hazen's 
men  were  brought  over  the  river  in  the  boats.  The 
rebels  having  recovered  from  their  surprise  brought 
up  reinforcements  of  about  a  thousand  men  and 
attacked,  but  were  soon  driven  off,  losing  some  in  killed 
and  captured.  Hazen's  loss  was  thirty-eight.  Our 
troops  captured  here  two  thousand  bushels  of  corn  and 
twenty  cattle,  which  was  a  very  important  addition  to 
the  commissary  at  that  time.  In  a  few  hours  the  place 
was  made  secure  against  attack  and  the  pontoon  bridge 
laid  across  the  river.  The  significance  of  the  movement 
did  not  seem  to  dawn  upon  the  minds  of  the  rebel  com 
manders,  as  no  more  attempts  were  made  during"  the 
day  to  dislodge  Hazen,  though  the  rebels  kept  up  a 
harmless  bombardment  from  Lookout  on  the  pontoon 
and  Hazen's  position. 

Hooker,  moving  from  Bridgeport  on  the  27th, 
reached  the  vicinity  of  Lookout  Valley  at  three  p.  m. 
with  his  head  of  column.  Then  Bragg  and  Longstreet 
began  to  wake  up  to  the  meaning  of  the  Brown's  Ferry 
attack,  but  too  late,  as  we  already  had  five  thousand 
men  there.  Hooker  advancing  east  from  Wauhatchie, 
encountered  the  enemy's  skirmishers  and  driving  them 
before  him  without  much  trouble,  went  into  camp 
about  six,  a  mile  from  Brown's  Ferry.  Geary's  Division 
bivouacked  at  Wauhatchie,  three  miles  distant.  The 
two  forces  thus  covered  the  roads  to  Brown's  and  Kel- 
ley's  Ferries,  while  Hooker  threw  out  a  regiment  to 
guard  a  crossing  of  Lookout  Creek.  About  twelve  at 
night  Longstreet  advanced  with  two  divisions  to  make 
an  attack  and  encountered  this  regiment.  This  gave 
Hooker  time  to  form  the  Eleventh  Corps  (Howard's)  in 
line.  Geary's  Division  being  isolated  and  some  three 
miles  from  Howard,  was  fearful  of  an  attack  and  had 
remained  under  arms  with  strong  pickets  thrown  out. 
Soon  after  Longstreet's  forces  divided  into  two  bodies, 
attacked  Geary  fiercely,  expecting  to  surprise  him,  but 
in  this  were  disappointed.  Hooker,  advancing  a  part 
of  Howard's  Corps  to  aid  Geary,  struck  the  rebel  col 
umns  and  thus  the  battle  raged  along  the  whole  line, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  163 

lasting  in  front  of  Geary  for  two  hours.  But  the  rebels 
were  routed  at  all  points  and  fell  back  to  the  hills  in 
the  valley  where  they  had  intrenchments.  Howard's 
troops  pursued,  climbing  up  several  hundred  feet, 
which  would  have  been  difficult  to  do  even  in  daylight, 
and  drove  the  enemy  from  their  works  at  the  point  of 
the  bayonet,  capturing  over  one  hundred.  The  rebels 
then  withdrew  from  the  valley  and  "Fighting  Joe 
Hooker"  was  in  possession.  Meantime  General  Thomas 
had  sent  reinforcements,  but  they  were  not  needed. 
Hooker  lost  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  437  men, 
the  enemy  1,500,  of  which  Hooker  buried  on  the  field 
153  dead  rebels.  The  river  was  now  open  and  repairs 
on  the  road  to  Kelley's  Ferry  began  at  once.  The 
steamer  Paint  Rock  passed  down  on  the  night  of  the 
29th,  and  though  shelled  by  the  rebel  guns  on  Look 
out,  was  not  harmed.  The  steamboat  at  Bridgeport 
came  up  to  Kelley's  loaded  with  supplies,  which  could 
be  hauled  the  eight  miles  to  Chattanooga  without 
trouble.  Thus  was  solved  the  question  of  food,  and  so 
easily  and  quickly  that  Bragg  and  Long-street  must 
have  been  struck  with  amazement  as  well  as  shame. 
By  this  brilliant  stroke,  of  which  General  Thomas  says, 
"Preliminary  steps  had  already  been  taken  to  execute 
this  vitally  important  movement  before  the  command 
of  the  Department  devolved  upon  me,"  the  force  of  the 
siege  was  broken,  the  hold  of  the  enemy  upon  Lookout 
made  useless  and  precarious,  while  it  also  must  have 
warned  Bragg  that  it  was  only  a  question  of  time 
when  he  must  fight  for  the  rest  of  his  positions  around 
Chattanooga. 

In  the  early  days  of  October,  Jeff.  Davis  while  visit 
ing  Bragg's  army  and  looking  down  upon  the  besieged 
host,  had  predicted  its  speedy  destruction  by  starva 
tion.  The  announcement  of  the  failure  of  his  and 
Bragg's  hopes  and  plans  must  have  seemed  like  the 
handwriting  on  the  wall,  pointing  to  his  own  over 
throw. 

The  effect  upon  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was 
magical.  The  prospect  of  having  full  rations  again 


164  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

very  shortly,  together  with  the  prospect  of  driving 
Bragg  from  his  remaining  strongholds,  and  revenging 
Chickamauga,  gave  new  vigor  to  all.  But  the  work 
could  not  proceed  at  once  for  various  reasons.  There 
were  no  horses  to  move  the  artillery,  General  Meigs, 
Quartermaster-General,  estimated  that  over  10,000  ani 
mals  had  perished  during  the  siege;  the  few  left  could 
hardly  drag  themselves  around.  More  troops  with  sup 
plies  of  all  kinds  seemed  requisite  to  render  success 
certain.  However,  with  a  fatality  that  seems  wonder 
ful  in  view  of  his  past  and  recent  experiences,  General 
Bragg  (or  President  Davis)  grasping  at  straws,  de 
tached  Longstreet  with  his  corps  a  few  days  after  his 
defeat  by  Hooker,  and  sent  him  to  besiege  Knoxville. 
He  did  this  in  expectation  of  overwhelming  Burnside, 
thinking  that  he  could  hold  his  lines  around  Chatta 
nooga  in  the  meantime,  and  gain  a  victory  that  would 
revive  the  failing  cause  of  the  Confederacy  and  the 
spirits  of  his  army. 

Generals  Grant  and  Thomas,  anxious  to  take  ad 
vantage  of  Bragg's  error,  prepared  to  attack  on  the 
7th,  but  having  made  a  thorough  reconnoissance  of  the 
enemy's  lines  became  convinced  that  it  would  be  im 
practicable  to  do  so  just  then,  nor  until  Sherman 
should  arrive  with  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  which  would 
give  Grant  a  preponderance  of  men  over  Bragg,  though 
the  latter's  position  on  Mission  Ridge  would  equalize 
the  difference.  From  that  time  forward  the  signs  of 
busy  preparation  everywhere  within  the  lines  of  our 
army  betokened  that  a  battle  would  soon  occur. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  which,  during  the 
siege,  had  done  its  share  of  duty  on  the  skirmish  and 
picket  lines,  was  increased  somewhat  beetween  the  1st 
and  14th  by  the  arrival  of  members  who  had  been  sick 
or  wounded,  and  had  returned  from  home  or  hospitals. 
Among  those  were  Sherman  Leland  and  Sergeant 
George  Marsh,  of  Company  D.  The  latter  was  quite 
severely  wounded  at  Chickamatiga,  and  obliged  to  go, 
much  against  his  will,  to  hospital  at  Nashville.  Under 
the  date  of  November  14th,  Marsh  says:  "We  are 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  165 

camped  in  the  western  part  of  town,  and  are  on  a 
quarter  to  three-quarters  rations  of  hard- tack  and  fresh 
beef  only.  We  have  comfortable  cabins  roofed  with 
pup  tents.  Our  pickets  and  the  rebels  are  close  together 
but  very  friendly,  exchanging  surplus  articles,  of  which, 
however,  there  is  very  little  of  anything.  The  enemy's 
battery  on  Lookout  throws  an  occasional  shell  that  does 
no  harm.  This  is  a  shabby  little  town  of  few  houses 
and  completely  covered  by  our  guns  and  works.  There 
is  no  danger  of  an  attack,  or  rather  no  hope  of  one." 


CHAPTER   XII. 


The    Battles   of   Lookout    Mountain   and   Mission   Ridge. 


The  last  chapter  closed  with  the  Army  of  the  Cum 
berland  still  besieged  and  on  short  rations,  but  these 
calamities  came  to  be  regarded  as  incidents  of  the  serv 
ice  which  would  soon  pass  away  with  a  correspond 
ing  compensation  for  the  sufferings  endured.  General 
Bragg,  incapable  of  prosecuting  offensive  movements 
against  his  enemy,  while  keeping  up  the  semblance  of 
a  siege,  had  been  weakening  his  army  and  looking^ 
wildly  in  other  directions  for  opportunities  to  achieve 
a  success  that  would  aid  the  Confederate  cause.  At 
the  very  moment  of  greatest  peril  he  detached  Buck- 
ner's  Corps  to  aid  Longstreet,  apparently  unconscious 
of  the  vast  forces  being  arrayed  against  him,  at  least 
not  stopping  to  consider  what  it  all  meant,  or  else  giv 
ing  a  wrong  interpretation  to  the  movements  going  on 
almost  within  view  of  his  lines. 

General  Grant,  keenly  alive  to  the  opportunity  pre 
sented  for  striking  an  effective  blow  and  breaking 
through  the  barriers  that  held  the  army  inactive, 'had 
hurried  Sherman  forward  with  the  Fifteenth  Army 
Corps  of  four  divisions  from  Mississippi,  and  in  the 
middle  of  November  the  leading  division  of  General 
John  E.  Smith  reached  Bridgeport,  but  the  other  divi 
sions  were  far  behind  owing  to  bad  roads  and  their 
immense  trains.  However,  General  Grant  planned  to 
attack  on  the  21st. 

General  Sherman  rode  forward  from  Bridgeport 
on  the  15th  by  Grant's  request,  when,  with  Thomas,  a 
conference  was  held,  and  General  Sherman  made 
acquainted  with  the  proposed  plans  and  the  part  his 
own  troops  were  expected  to  perform.  Briefly  stated, 
General  Sherman  was  to  move  his  four  divisions  from 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  167 

Brown's  Ferry  up  the  north  side  of  the  river  to  a  point 
opposite  the  mouth  of  South  Chickamauga  Creek,  where 
he  w^as  to  cross  on  a  pontoon  bridge  to  be  laid  down 
by  General  Smith,  and  assail  Bragg's  right,  which  was 
supposed  to  occupy  the  north  end  of  Mission  Ridge. 
At  the  same  time,  General  Hooker  was  to  operate  on 
the  enemy's  left  from  Lookout  Valley.  It  being  ex 
pected  that  Bragg  would  draw  from  his  center  on  the 
ridge  to  strengthen  his  flanks,  General  Thomas  with 
the  forces  under  his  command  was  to  advance  in  con 
formity  with  Sherman's  movements  and  attack  in  front, 
but  it  seems  to  have  been  General  Grant's  idea  that 
General  Sherman's  troops  would  have  to  do  the  heavy 
fighting,  and  what  the  latter  has  written  in  his 
"Memoirs,"  Vol.  I,  p.  362,  shows  that  he  derived  such 
a*n  impression  from  Grant.  He  reports  him  as  saying, 
"that  the  men  of  Thomas'  army  had  been  so  demoralized 
by  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  that  he  feared  they 
could  not  be  got  out  of  their  trenches  to  assume  the 
offensive."  Again,  "The  Army  of  the  Cumberland  had 
been  so  long  in  the  trenches  that  he  wanted  my  troops 
to  hurry  up  and  take  the  offensive  first!  after  which 
he  had  no  doubt  the  Cumberland  Army  would  fight 
well." 

General  Sherman  was  frank,  foolish  and  vain 
enough  to  embody  the  foregoing  in  the  form  of  history, 
and  which  in  the  light  of  what  he  actually  did  and  did 
not  do,  had  better  have  been  omitted  in  deference  to 
his  own  fame,  the  truth  of  history,  and  justice  to  the 
heroes  of  Chickamauga,  dead  and  living.  But  as  events 
developed  on  the  eve  of  action,  General  Grant  modified 
his  pre-arranged  plan  at  least  twice  on  the  suggestion 
of  General  Thomas,  but  the  latter's  proposal  to  move 
General  Sherman's  divisions  through  Chattanooga  and 
up  the  south  bank  of  the  Tennessee  to  the  north  end 
of  Mission  Ridge,  a  plan  that  was  practicable,  easy, 
and  could  be  executed  in  the  night  time,  was  not 
adopted.  The  wisdom  of  General  Thomas'  advice  was 
shown  when  Sherman,  after  spending  much  time  and 
labor,  crossed  over  from  the  north  bank,  and  having 


168  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

become  established,  but  with  no  enemy  in  sight  for 
two  and  a  half  miles,  was  met  by  General  Howard  with 
three  regiments  which  he  had  marched  up  the  south 
bank  early  on  the  24th;  these  he  left  at  General  Sher 
man's  request  and  then  with  his  escort  rejoined  the 
main  command. 

On  the  18th  General  Grant  announced  to  his  com 
manders  that  the  attack  would  be  made  on  the  21st, 
and  preparatory  to  this,  General  Thomas  directed 
Howard's  Corps  to  take  position  between  Brown's 
Ferry  and  Chattanooga,  to  be  replaced  in  Lookout 
Valley  by  the  brigades  of  Whittaker  and  Grose.  He 
also  sent  General  Davis'  Division  and  Colonel  Long's 
Cavalry  to  the  north  bank  of  the  river  to  co-operate 
in  Sherman's  movement. 

On  the  20th  General  Bragg  had  notified  General 
Grant  by  a  flag  of  truce  that  it  would  be  well  to  remove 
all  non-combatants  from  the  town.  Heavy  rains  set 
ting  in  and  continuing,  prevented  Sherman's  divisions 
from  getting  up,  so  that  no  attack  was  made  on  the. 
21st  or  22d.  General  Thomas  then  suggested  that 
Howard's  Corps  should  be  used  by  General  Sherman, 
and  Osterhaus'  Division,  if  behind,  be  turned  over  to 
Hooker  for  an  attack  on  Lookout  Mountain.  General 
Grant  adopted  the  suggestions.  Accordingly,  How 
ard's  Corps  moved  through  Chattanooga  on  the  23d, 
and  took  position  near  Fort  Wood  in  plain  sight  of 
Mission  Ridge  with  the  object  of  deceiving  Bragg  as 
to  Sherman's  movements,  and  also  to  have  the  Corps 
within  supporting  distance  of  Sherman.  Generals 
Grant  and  Thomas  were  fearful  that  Bragg  would 
throw  up  the  siege  and  escape  without  a  battle  and 
became  anxious  to  attack,  which  it  was  very  desirable 
to  do  while  Longstreet  and  Buckner  were  away.  Gen 
eral  Grant  was  also  concerned  about  Burnside,  who 
was  closely  besieged  at  Knoxville.  He  resolved  not 
to  delay  longer.  As  an  initial  movement,  a  recoimois- 
sance  in  force  was  ordered  about  (noon  to  be  made  from 
the  center  by  Wood's  and  Sheridan's  Divisions  against 
the  rebel  advanced  lines  which  occupied  intreuchments 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  169 

on  a  high  ridge  2,100  yards  east  of  Fort  Wood.  The 
center  of  this  line  was  Orchard  Knob,  a  rocky  hill  one 
hundred  feet  high,  where  the  rebels  had  an  epaulement 
for  a  battery.  From  the  Knob  their  rifle  pits  extended 
northeast  toward  Mission  Ridge  for  a  mile  and  a  half, 
where  was  another  line  two  miles  long.  From  the 
Knob  south  there  was  a  low  ridge  extending  half  a 
mile  which  was  fortified  with  rude  works.  All  of 
these  were  occupied  by  the  rebel  outposts.  One  mile 
beyond  lay  Mission  Ridge,  the  rebel  stronghold,  on 
the  brow  of  which  Bragg's  main  army,  supported  by 
nearly  one  hundred  pieces  of  artillery,  were  ready  to 
deal  death  and  destruction.  To  General  Thomas  J. 
Wood  and  his  division  was  given  the  honor  of  making 
the  first  attack  that  was  to  usher  in  two  great  battles 
By  1:30  p.  m.  of  the  23d  the  three  brigades  of 
Willich,  Hazen  and  General  Sam.  Beatty  were  in  line; 
on  their  right  rear,  Sheridan's  Division;  in  support  of 
these  en  masse  Howard's  Corps.  To  the  right  of  Sher 
idan,  Baird,  while  Johnson's  Division,  under  arms, 
awaited  events.  As  these  thousands  thus  formed  in 
serried  ranks  on  the  slopes  and  plain  in  front  of  Fort 
Wood  under  the  eyes  of  their  great  Commanders,  Grant 
and  Thomas,  the  sun  of  a  perfect  day  shining  down 
upon  the  starry  flags  and  gleaming  bayonets  of  the 
embattled  array,  produced  a  spectacle  of  military 
grandeur  which  it  seldom  falls  to  the  lot  of  man  to 
behold.  From  the  cloud-capped  summit  of  Lookout, 
on  the  heights  of  Mission  Ridge,  and  within  the  Union 
lines,  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  men  were 
watching  the  grand  pageant.  The  rebel  hosts  looking 
on  in  wonder  and  amazement  mistook  it  for  a  review. 
At  the  sound  of  the  bugle  Wood's  veterans  advanced 
in  perfect  alignment  across  the  plain,  which  for  a  quar 
ter  of  a  mile  was  clear,  but  beyond  thinly  wooded.  Not 
a  man  straggled  in  all  that  long  line  as  it  moved  swiftly 
forward  and  brushed  away  the  rebel  pickets  in  the  edge 
of  the  woods.  Willich's  Brigade  marched  straight  for 
Orchard  Knob,  Hazen  charged  the  intrenchmeuts  to 
the  right,  which  were  on  a  rocky  ridge,  and  met  with 


170  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

much  opposition,  but  carried  the  whole  line  with  a 
rush  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  capturing  the  Twen 
ty-eighth  Alabama  entire  writh  its  colors.  Hazen  lost 
in  killed  22,  wounded  100,  which  shows  the  character 
of  the  fighting.  Willich  lost  4  killed  and  10  wounded. 
The  casualties  would  have  been  greater  had  the  attack 
been  less  fierce  and  impetuous.  The  rebels  who 
escaped  fled  to  the  trenches  at  the  base  of  Mission 
Ridge.  Beatty's  Brigade  on  the  left  had  little  to  do. 
General  Thomas  then  directed  Wood  to  fortify,  which 
he  did  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  from  the  rebel  bat 
teries  on  the  ridge,  but  only  one  man  was  slightly 
wounded,  strange  as  it  may  seem.  Sheridan's  Division, 
advancing  to  the  right  on  the  prolongation  of  the 
Orchard  Knob  range  to  what  is  now  the  National  Cem 
etery,  met  with  little  resistance,  and  also  fortified. 
Howard's  Corps  moving  to  the  left  and  northeast  of 
Orchard  Knob  drove  back  the  rebel  pickets  and  skir 
mishers  in  the  flat  wooded  plain  along  the  headwaters 
of  Citico  Creek,  there  a  mere  brooklet,  and  established 
his  lines.  There  were  no  large  forces  of  the  enemy  to 
oppose,  and  thus  the  movements  of  the  day  ended  in 
success  and  the  attainment  of  most  advantageous  posi 
tions  for  further  operations,  one  mile  in  advance  of 
Fort  Wood  and  about  the  same  distance  from  the  base 
of  Mission  Kidge,  whose  heights  from  four  hundred 
to  five  hundred  feet  high  must  be  stormed.  General 
Granger,  commanding  the  Fourth  Corps,  received  an 
order  after  dark  to  have  everything  ready  for  further 
offensive  operations  on  the  24th.  As  afterward  known, 
Bragg  then  recalled  a  part  of  Buckner's  Corps.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  w^hich,  during  the  day  and 
night  had,  with  the  Brigade,  remained  under  arms,  was 
to  take  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  two  approaching  bat 
tles. 

The  morning  of  the  24th  opened  with  a  slight  rain, 
which  finally  ceased.  General  Grant's  army  of  76,000 
men  was  astir  early  and  preparing  for  battle.  The 
top  of  Lookout  was  veiled  in  clouds  when  General 
Hooker,  under  orders  from  General  Thomas,  mar- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  171 

shaled  his  command  of  9,681  men  for  the  assault.  He 
had  portions  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  of  the  Ten 
nessee  and  of  the  Cumberland,  all  strangers  to  each 
other,  but  nevertheless  animated  by  one  common 
impulse,  and  if  any  further  incentive  was  needed  to 
deeds  of  bravery,  it  was  furnished  by  the  very  grandeur 
of  the  battlefield. 

Geary's  Division,  supported  by  Whittaker's  Brigade, 
proceeding  up  Lookout  Creek,  crossed  near  Wauhat- 
chie  at  eight,  capturing  the  pickets,  forty-two  in  num. 
ber.  They  then  moved  on  down  the  right  bank  driving 
all  before  them  and  began  ascending  the  mountain. 
By  eleven  Wood's  and  Grose'sBrigades  having  crossed 
Lookout  Creek,  aligning  themselves  with  Geary's  left, 
moved  forward  amid  the  firing  of  artillery  from  several 
batteries  which  Hooker  had  placed  on  some  hills ;  these 
raked  the  enemy  severely  in  their  trenches  and  breast 
works,  and  trying  to  escape  they  ran  into  the  infantry 
and  were  killed  or  captured.  There  were  portions  of  sev 
eral  rebel  brigades  represented  there.  The  rest  of  Oster- 
haus'  command  now  came  up  on  the  left,  and  the  whole1 
line,  extnding  from  the  palisades  to  the  valley  swept 
forward  regardless  of  all  obstacles  natural  and  artifi 
cial,  and  the  former  were  of  the  most  stupendous  charac 
ter,  until  about  twelve,  the  right  had  gained  the  crest  of 
the  slope  on  the  north  end  of  Lookout  and  immedi 
ately  beneath  the  muzzles  of  the  rebel  battery  on  the 
point,  or  coronal  of  the  mountain.  Clouds  hung  over 
all,  and  amidst  these  the  fighting  was  done.  The  atten 
tion  of  both  armies  all  along  the  eight  or  ten  miles  of 
battle  front  had  been  earnestly  fixed  on  Lookout  since 
early  morning,  and  the  result  was  awaited  with  anxiety. 
The  sound  of  musketry  mingled  with  the  hoarse,  sol 
emn  boom  of  Hooker's  guns  and  the  artillery  on  Moc 
casin  Point,  approaching  nearer  through  the  murky 
clouds,  announced  success.  Soon  the  lines  of  blue  and 
the  starry  banners  appeared  on  the  lofty  heights,  mov 
ing  slowly  to  victory  around  the  point.  Before  them  in 
retreat  was  the  line  of  gray.  Orders  to  halt  and  re-form 


172  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

were  disregarded.  The  rebels  were  on  the  run — panic 
stricken.  Our  troops  flushed  with  success  and  spurred 
on  no  less  by  the  insipration  breathed  in  to  theeir  souls 
from  the  grandest  arena  of  conflict  known  to  American 
history,  than  by  the  cheers  and  shouts  of  waiting  thou 
sands  on  the  plain  below,  rushed  forward  to  hurl  the 
enemy  from  their  main  stronghold,  Craven's  (farm. 
Their  elaborate  works  were  for  them  a  slaughter  pen, 
Hooker's  men  poured  into  these  a  destructive  flre  from 
above.  They  had  been  reinforced  and  attempted 
counter  movements  but  these  only  resulted  in  greater 
defeat  and  they  were  driven  from  the  plateau  around 
Craven's  in  wild  disorder  over  the  rocks  and  precipices. 
About  2  p.  m.  the  fighting  was  over  and  further  opera 
tions  suspended  owing  to  the  clouds  and  darkness  on 
the  mountain.  The  two  regiments  of  Osterhaus'  on  the 
left  advancing  along  the  road  reached  the  valley  and 
opened  communication  with  our  lines  across 'Chatta 
nooga  Creek.  Hooker  was  then  firmly  established  from 
the  latter  point  to  the  palisades.  He  had  fought  num 
bers  equal  to  his  own  over  ground  that  seemed  almost 
impassable.  His  prisoners  amounted  to  2,000  or  more. 
Many  arms  were  captured. 

The  One  Hunderd  and  Fourth  with  the  rest  of 
Carlin's  brigade  was  ordered  at  2  p.  m.  to  reinforce 
Hooker.  Crossing  Chattanooga  Creek  at  the  burnt  rail 
road  bridge  they  began  climbing  the  mountain  on  the 
old  Jackson  trail.  General  Hooker  awaited  their  arrival 
and  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  ordered  to  take 
position  around  the  Craven  house  and  barn.  The 
Kegiment  was  disposed  for  attack  or  defense  by  Colonel 
Hapeman.  Up  to  2  p.  m.  of  the  25th,  considerable 
firing  was  done,  the  casualties  of  the  entire  Brigade 
being  12  killed  and  24  wounded,  but  our  lines  could  not 
be  dislodged  and  after  that  matters  were  quiet  but  the 
utmost  vigilance  was  preserved  until  daylight.  The 
camp  fires  on  the  mountain  slopes  were  a  joyful  sight 
to  the  army  in  the  valley,  but  how  depressing  must  have 
been  their  effect  on  that  cold  night  to  the  fleeing 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  173 

soldiers  of  Bragg  who  spent  the  entire  time  in  retreat 
ing  from  Lookout  and  marching  to  Bragg's  right  and 
center  on  Mission  Kidge.  • 

The  "Battle  above  the  clouds"  had  been  the  great 
event  of  the  day  and  little  had  been  done  elsewhere 
except  on  the  left.  General  Sherman  had  spent  part  of 
the  night  of  the  23d,  in  crossing  one  brigade  on  .the 
pontoons  over  the  Tennessee  and  by  daylight  had  one 
division  across  and  a  rifle  trench  thrown  up.  The  bridge 
was  then  laid  under  the  direction  of  General  Smith 
and  completed  by  11  o'clock.  Two  other  divisions  then 
marched  over  and  were  followed  by  a  fourth,  (General 
Davis,)  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps.  General  Howard  with 
Buschbeck's  brigade  of  Steinwehr's  division  had  pre 
viously  arrived  by  marching  up  the  right  bank. 

At  1  p.  m.  General  Sherman's  army  began  the 
advance  toward  Mission  Ridge,  General  Morgan  L. 
Smith's  division  on  the  left,  General  John  E.  Smith's 
in  the  center,  General  Ewing's  with  Buschbeck's  bri 
gade  attached,  on  the  right,  all  moving  en  eclidou. 
They  advanced  about  two  and  a  half  miles  to  the  base 
and  ascending  cautiously  seized  the  top  of  a  hill  near 
the  tunnel,  when  for  the  first  time  there  was  a  show  of 
opposition.  Skirmishing  and  one  or  two  small  attacks 
followed  about  4,  but  the  position  was  held  and  forti 
fied.  It  was  now  developed  that  Mission  Ridge  was  not 
one  continuous,  unbroken  line,  but  furrowed  by  depres 
sions  into  distinct  summits.  Through  one  of  these 
depressions  ran  the  railroad  tunnel ;  on  a  high  hill  above 
it  on  the  north  the  rebel  forces  were  placed  behind 
earthworks.  These  must  be  swept  away  before  Sher 
man  could  reach  the  tunnel  or  advance  further  south 
ward  as  his  orders  had  contemplated.  General  Grant 
had  the  impression  that  the  Ridge  had  been  carried  to 
the  tunnel.  During  the  night  General  Sherman  was 
instructed  "to  attack  at  dawn." 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th,  a  heavy  foghanging  over 
the  valley  prevented  early  movements,  but  every  prepa 
ration  was  made  for  the  final  struggle.  Very  early  some 
soldiers  of  the  Eighth  Kentucky  climbed  to  the  topmost 


174  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

pinnacle  of  Lookout  and  discovered  that  the  enemy 
had  gone.  The  sun  rising  over  Mission  kissed  with  its 
first  ray*;  the  National  Flag,  which  unfolding  to  the 
breeze  2,100  feet  above  the  valley  revealed  to  friend 
and  foe  alike,  Hooker's  victory.  Under  orders  from 
Thomas,  Hooker  prepared  to  move  across  Chattanooga 
VaJley  to  Rossville,  from  whence  to  strike  Bragg's  left 
on  the  ridge.  Owing  to  heavy  fogs  in  the  valjey  and 
delay  at  Chattanooga  Creek  to  build  a  bridge,  Hooker 
did  not  start  until  10.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
moved  down  the  mountain  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade 
about  9  a.  m.,  and  re-crossing  the  creek  marched  across 
the  valley  and  rejoined  the  Second  Brigade  of  Johnson's 
Division,  forming  on  its  right  for  the  grand  assault  to 
be  made  on  Mission  Ridge. 

The  entire  rebel  army  was  now  concentrated  on 
Bragg's  last  line  of  defense,  extending  from  Rossville 
to  Tunnel  Hill  in  front  of  Sherman,  a  distance  of  six 
miles,  but  in  heaviest  force  in  the  center,  which  was 
confronted  by  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland.  General 
Hardee  was  in  immediate  command  on  the  rebel  right, 
General  Breckinridge  on  the  left.  The  divisions  of 
Stevenson  and  Cheatham,  or  what  remained  of  them 
after  leaving  Lookout,  were  moving  to  the  right. 

The  grand  struggle  was  opened  at  early  dawn  by 
Sherman  and  lasted  the  entire  day  without  his  being- 
able  to  drive  the  rebels  from  their  very  strong  positions 
though  his  troops  that  were  engaged  did  splendid  fight 
ing.  It  became  evident  to  General  Grant  about  10  a. 
m.,  that  Sherman  was  making  no  progress  and  would 
be  unable,  though  having  then  five  divisions  on  the  line 
or  within  reach,  to  drive  the  rebel  right  as  he  had  con 
templated,  he  therefore  sent  Howard's  Corps  to  Sher 
man  who  placed  it  on  his  left,  and  renewed  the  attack, 
but  met  with  a  repulse  to  the  brigades  of  General 
John  E.  Smith,  which,  however,  was  met  by  a  counter 
charge  and  the  enemy  driven  to  cover  by  the  brigades 
of  Corse  and  Loomis.  General  Grant  learning  of  this, 
then  sent  Baird's  division  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps  to 
his  assistance,  thus  giving  to  Sherman  seven  of  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  175 

thirteen  divisions  of  his  army,  and  making  it  plain  that 
at  that  hour,  noon,  he  still  adhered  to  his  original  plan 
of  having  Sherman  do  the  main  fighting  while  the  rest 
of  the  army  acted  in  support  or  as  the  emergencies  of 
the  battle  should  dictate.  General  Baird  on  arriving  in 
Sherman's  rear  was  informed  that  he  could  not  be  used 
and  was  not  needed,  so  he  countermarched  to  the  left 
of  Wood  and  formed  in  line  there  by  half  past  two. 

The  impression  seems  to  have  prevailed  in  the  army 
and  with  Grant  and  Sherman,  that  the  latter  was  fight 
ing  immense  numbers  and  heavy  reinforcements  sent 
from  Bragg' s  center  on  the  ridge.  Sherman  in  his  report 
and  "Memoirs,"  Vol.  I.,  p.  377,  says  in  speaking  of  mat 
ters  as  they  stood  at  3  p.  in. :  "Column  after  column 
was  streaming  toward  me;  gun  after  gun  poured  its 
concentric  shot  on  us  from  every  hill  and  spur  that 
gave  a  view  of  any  part  of  the  ground  held  by  us." 
Grant  in  his  "Memoirs"  says:  "From  the  position  I  oc 
cupied,  I  could  see  column  after  column  of  Bragg's 
forces  moving  against  Sherman."  Also,  in  his  report: 
"Discovering  that  the  enemy  in  his  desperation  to  de 
feat  or  resist  the  progress  of  Sherman,  was  weakening 
his  center  on  Mission  Ridge,  determined  me  to  order 
the  advance  (of  Thomas)  at  once." 

A  study  of  all  the  reports  of  the  Confederate  Gen 
erals,  (vide  Rebellion  Records)  shows  that  there  was 
no  weakening  of  Bragg's  center  at  all  in  front  of 
Thomas.  The  soldiers  seen  "streaming  along  the  ridge" 
did  not  belong  to  the  center.  Neither  was  any  artillery 
taken  from  the  center.  These  reports  state  exactly 
what  forces  were  on  the  right  and  those  sent  to  rein 
force  them.  About  2  p.  m.  of  the  24th,  General  Bragg 
having  learned  that  Sherman  was  then  approaching 
the  ridge,  at  once  sent  General  Cleburne  with  the  three 
brigades  of  Smith,  Lowrey,  and  Govan,  from  his  posi 
tion  one  and  a  quarter  miles  south  of  the  tunnel,  to 
oppose  him.  He  also  had  three  batteries.  These  troops 
seized  and  occupied  the  ridge,  or  hills,  which  Sherman's 
men  fought  so  hard  to  take  that  afternoon  and  nearly 
all  of  the  following  day,  but  without  success.  During 


176  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  night  Cleburne  fortified.  At  sunrise  of  the  25th, 
he  was  reinforced  by  Brown's  Brigade  of  Stevenson's 
Division,  and  at  9  by  Cummings'  Brigade.  There  were 
no  additional  forces  sent  to  Cleburue  until  about  2  p.  m., 
when  Maney's  Brigade  of  Walker's  Division,  which  lay 
three  quarters  of  a  mile  south  of  the  tunnel,  and  one 
small  regiment  of  Stevenson's  Division,  were  sent  to 
the  right.  The  aggregate  of  all  these  forces  opposed 
to  Sherman's  six  divisions  we  do  not  know,  but  it  could 
not  have  been  large,  and  it  thus  appears  that  there  was 
an  optical  illusion  and  large  imagination  in  the  minds 
of  Grant  and  Sherman  about  the  immense  numbers 
"streaming  along  Mission  Ridge  toward  Sherman." 
These  are  historical  facts  and  for  this  reason  the  writer, 
has  devoted  considerable  time  to  the  subject  for  the 
purpose  of  placing  them  on  record  as  a  true  exposition 
of  matters  about  which  all  the  current  histories  have 
been  misleading.  During  all  the  fighting  by  Sherman's 
troops,  wrhich  was  severe,  reflecting  the  highest  credit 
on  his  soldiers,  General  Davis'  Division  of  7,000  men 
and  all  of  Howard's  Division,  except  one  brigade,  were 
not  in  action  and  the  reasons  therefor  have  never  been 
given.  General  Sherman's  loss  was  250  killed,  1,310 
wounded,  and  317  missing.  General  Cleburne's  loss, 
except  in  Maney's  Brigade,  was  59  killed,  334  wounded, 
and  30  missing.  He  also  claims  to  have  captured  eight 
stands  of  colors  and  300  prisoners. 

Between  12  and  1  p.  m.,  General  Sherman  having 
failed  to  do  the  work  intended  for  him,  sent  to  ask 
Grant,  "Where  is  Thomas?"  It  is  needless  to  say  that 
the  "Rock  of  Chickamauga"  was  quietly  waiting  for 
General  Grant  to  order  his  advance.  Both  were  look 
ing  for  Hooker's  forces  to  sweep  up  on  the  rebel  left 
from  Rossville,  before  Thomas  should  begin  the  assault 
on  the  center,  but  the  time  was  drawing  very  near. 
Hooker  had  been  delayed  three  hours  to  build  a  bridge 
and  did  not  reach  Rossville  until  about  2  in  the  after 
noon,  when  he  immediately  attacked  the  rebel  forces 
on  the  ridge  under  Stewart,  driving  them  before  him 
in  rout,  Osterhaus'  division  alone  capturing  2,000 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  177 

prisoners.  Hooker  also  captured  many  arms,  artillery, 
and  supplies  of  all  kinds  at  Eossville.  He  then  moved 
on  north  toward  Thomas,  killing,  wounding,  or  driving 
the  enemy  at  all  points  where  they  opposed,  until  he 
reached  Carlin's  and  Hapeman's  position. 

The  afternoon  of  the  short  November  day  was  wear 
ing  away.  It  having  become  evident  to  General  Grant 
that  Sherman  could  not  advance  further,  and  Hooker 
not  having  appeared,  he  decided  that  the  time  had 
come  to  attack  in  the  center,  and  ordered  Thomas 
to  begin  the  assault  at  the  sound  of  six  suc 
cessive  cannon  shots  from  Orchard  Knob.  The  divisions 
of  Baird,  Wood,  Sheridan  and  Johnson,  the  latter  con 
sisting  of  the  First  and  Second  Brigades  only,  were 
formed  in  the  order  named  from  left  to  right,  having 
a  battle  front  of  two  and  a  half  miles.  By  brigades 
they  were  arranged  as  follows  from  right  to  left:  Car- 
lin's  and  Stoughton's  of  Johnson's  division;  Sherman's, 
Barker's,  and  Wagner's,  of  Sheridan's;  Hazen's,  Wil- 
lich's,  and  General  Sam.  Beatty's  of  Wood's;  Turchin's, 
Vanderveer's,  and  Phelps'  of  Baird's.  This  line  con 
formed  to  the  alignment  of  Wood's  and  Sheridan's 
divisions,  which  on  the  23d  had  occupied  the  first  line 
of  rebel  works  in  the  plain  between  Fort  Wood  and  the 
ridge.  Strong  lines  of  skirmishers  were  thrown  out 
and  there  were  reserves  in  the  rear.  The  signal  wras  to 
be  given  at  3  p.  m.,  but  delays  occurring,  it  was  half 
past  when  the  sullen  boom  of  cannon  repeated  six  times, 
stretched  the  nerves  of  that  mighty  force  of  20,000 
men  to  their  utmost  tension.  Springing  forward,  the 
long  lines  of  burnished  arms,  and  the  150  standards 
waving  over  the  lines  of  blue,  were  borne  forward.  One 
mile  in  advance  were  the  heights  five  hundred  feet 
high,  defended  by  a  desperate  foe  equal  to  or  superior 
in  numbers,  and  armed  with  every  modern  implement 
of  destruction.  As  the  line  advanced  sixteen  batteries 
poured  down  on  them  their  murderous  contents.  Not 
a  man  wavered,  only  the  killed  and  wounded  were  left 
behind.  General  Grant's  order  to  Thomas  had  directed 
Mm  to  take  the  rifle  pits  at  the  base  of  the  ridge,  and, 


178  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

quoting  from  his  report,  "When  carried  to  re-form  his 
lines  on  the  rifle  pits  with  a  view  to  carrying  the  top 
of  the  ridge." 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  (of  Carlin's  Brigade) 
which  formed  the  extreme  > right  of  the  assaulting 
columns,  and  commanded  by  Colonel  Hapeman,  moved 
forward  with  the  rest  of  the  line  at  the  signal  from 
Orchard  Knob.  On  reaching  an  open  cleared  field 
beyond  the  timber,  all  pressed  forward  and  captured 
the  first  line  of  works,  the  rebels  in  them  swarming 
out  and  up  the  hill  like  so  many  bees.  For  the  last 
half  mile  the  Regiment  was  subjected  to  a  terrific  fire 
of  artillery  and  musketry,  during  which  Lieutenant 
Eoss,  and  Sergeant  P.  Talbot,  both  of  Company  B,  were 
badly  wTounded  by  a  piece  of  shell;  also  five  others  of 
our  brave  boys  were  shot  down  by  one  volley.  But 
the  Regiment  had  executed  the  order  of  General  Grant 
and  stopped  to  rest  as  well  as  it  could,  under  a  murder 
ous  fire  from  above.  Not  long  did  the  men  remain  in  the 
captured  trenches,  but  charged  on  up  the  ridge  from 
one  line  to  another  until  they  stood  victorious  on  the 
summit.  General  Carlin  says  in  his  report  (Reb.  Rec., 
Vol.  31,  Pt.  2,  p.  464) :  "In  front  of  the  left  of  my  brigade 
was  a  rifle  pit  about  half  way  up  the  ridge  which  was 
occupied  by  the  enemy.  After  a  few  volleys  they  were 
driven  from  it  and  it  was  occupied  by  the  Forty-second 
Indiana,  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois,  and  Eighty- 
eighth  Indiana.  The  steady  valor  of  these  regiments  final 
ly  drove  the  enemy  from  the  ridge  when  my  whole  line  ad 
vanced  to  the  summit."  (The  italics  are  the  writer's.) 

There  had  been  nowhere  on  that  long  line  any  halt 
or  hesitation  until  the  rifle  pits  at  the  base  of  the  ridge 
were  occupied,  which  was  done  nearly  simultaneously 
by  the  eighty-nine  regiments  at  six  different  points.  The 
rebels  on  the  ridge  had  depressed  the  muzzles  of  their 
cannon,  and  where  possible,  were  delivering  an  enfilad 
ing  fire.  This  with  their  musketry  was  telling  rapidly 
on  our  ranks  in  the  rifle  pits  below.  Stung  to  madness, 
knowing  that  it  would  be  death  to  stay  there;  scorning 
retreat;  and  inspired  by  one  common  impulse,  there 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  179 

was  suddenly  an  involuntary  riiovemeiit  begun  along 
the  entire  front,  up  the  ridge,  which  was  very  steep 
and  covered  with  obstructions  and  small  loose  stones 
making  the  footing  insecure.  In  from  twenty  minutes 
to  half  an  hour,  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  stood 
victorious  on  the  heights.  It  was  nearly  5  p.  m.,  and 
Sherman  still  pounded  away  at  the  rebel  right  holding 
his  positions  of  the  morning,  until  darkness  coming  on, 
Hardee  and  Cleburne  withdrew  their  gallant  soldiers 
safely  beyond  the  Chickamauga. 

The  ridge  having  been  carried  and  cleared  in  front, 
General  Baird  wheeling  his  troops  to  the  left  and  leav 
ing  ten  or  twelve  pieces  of  the  captured  artillery  to  be 
gathered  in  by  others,  moved  north  along  the  crest, 
routing  the  division  of  Anderson,  but  was  not  so  fortu 
nate  when  he  came  in  contact  with  troops  sent  by 
Hardee  from  the  right  in  front  of  Sherman.  Here  a 
desperate  fight  ensued  which  only  ended  by  night 
coming  on,  when  the  enemy  withdrew.  General  Sheri 
dan  and  one  of  Wood's  brigades,  pursued  the  enemy 
down  the  east  slopes  of  the  ridge  a  short  distance, 
capturing  prisoners  and  artillery,  but  it  was  too  late 
for  successful  pursuit.  The  heavy  fighting  was  over 
and  the  army  went  into  bivouac  on  the  ground  it  had 
won,  and  built  its  camp  fires  from  mountain  to  valley. 
General  Grant,  mindful  of  Sherman,  thus  wrote  him 
at  the  close  of  the  battle:  "No  doubt  you  witnessed 
the  splendid  manner  in  which  Thomas'  troops  carried 
Mission  Ridge  this  afternoon,  and  can  feel  a  just 
pride  too,  in  the  part  taken  by  the  forces  under  your 
command  in  taking  first,  so  much  of  the  same  range 
of  hills,  and  then  in  attracting  the  attention  of  so 
many  of  the  enemy  as  to  make  Thomas'  part  certain 
of  success."  In  view  of  the  fact  that  Sherman  attained 
the  position  he  occupied  with  "no  loss,"  as  he  says,  and 
was  opposed  by  very  small  forces  as  has  been  shown 
from  official  and  undoubted  authority,  the  sympathy  of 
General  Grant  was  timely. 

There  is  evidence  to  show  that  General  Grant  had 
not  determined  when  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland 


180  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

started  for  the  ridge,  whether  to  order  them  to  go  to  the 
top  or  not.  It  is  probable  from  what  he  did  order  arid 
from  his  own  words  heretofore  quoted  from  his  report, 
that  he  hoped  the  movement  to  the  base  of  the  ridge 
would  so  distract  Bragg  that  he  would  call  back  enough 
troops  from  the  right  to  enable  Sherman  to  succeed 
there  in  breaking  the  rebel  lines,  and  to  advance  south 
toward  Thomas.  This  view  would  seem  to  be  the  true 
one  after  hearing  what  General  J.  S.  Fullerton,  Ad 
jutant  General  and  Chief  of  Staff,  of  the  Fourth  Army 
Corps,  says  upon  the  subject.  He  was  on  Orchard  Knob 
at  the  time  and  heard  what  he  tells: 

"As  soon  as  this  movement  (up  the  ridge)  was  seen 
from  Orchard  Knob,  Grant  turned  quickly  to  Thomas, 
who  stood  by  his  side,  and  I  heard  him  say  angrily, 
"Thomas,  who  ordered  those  men  up  the  ridge?' 
Thomas  replied  in  his  usual  quiet  manner:  'I  don't 
know,  I  did  not.'  Then  addressing  General  Gordon 
Granger,  he  said,  'Did  you  order  them  up,  Granger?' 
'No,'  said  Granger.  'They  started  up  without 
orders;  when  those  fellows  get  started  all  hell  cannot 
stop  them.'  General  Grant  said  something  to  the 
effect  that  somebody  would  suffer  if  it  did  not  turn 
out  well,  and  then  turning,  stoically  watched  the  ridge. 
He  gave  no  further  orders." 

To  show  fully  and  further  the  most  honorable  and 
glorious  part  borne  by  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
in  the  battles  around  Chattanooga,  the  writer  will  in 
troduce  here  several  narratives  of  its  members  which 
give  truthful -and  vivid  pictures  of  what  each  saw  and 
experienced. 

'George  Marsh,  First  Sergeant  of  Company  D,  says: 
"We  then  descended  Lookout  and  prepared  to  assault 
Mission  Ridge,  which  is  four  or  five  miles  long  and  five 
hundred  feet  high.  We  formed  part  of  an  immense  line 
of  battle  in  some  woods  at  3:45  p.  m.,  when  our  General 
Carlin  said  to  us:  'Boys,  I  don't  want  you  to  stop  until 
we  reach  the  top  of  that  hill.  Forward!'  There  was 
a  mile  or  so  of  open  flat  ground  to  cross,  where  the 
rebels  shelled  us  heavily,  and  where  Lieutenant  Ross 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  181 

ami  Sergeant  Talbot  were  severely  wounded  by  a  shell. 
But  they  generally  overshot  us  and  the  shells  burst  in 
our  rear.  General  Carlin  rode  his  horse  to  the  foot  of 
the  ridge  and  then  let  him  loose  and  scrambled  up 
with  the  rest  of  us.  At  their  breastworks  half  way  up 
some  of  the  rebels  surrendered  and  others  ran  to  the 
top.  At  this  point  Lieutenant  Orrin  S.  Davidson  of 
Company  H  was  mortally  wounded.  He  said,  'Go  on, 
boys,  and  take  the  hill  and  attend  to  me  afterward.' 
He  was  very  pale.  We  then  made  a  grand  rush  and 
killed,  wounded,  and  stampeded  the  rebels  in  front  of 
us  on  top,  and  the  field  was  ours — at  4:30.  Anson  S. 
Smith  was  severely  wounded  in  the  foot.  Color  Ser 
geant  W.  H.  II.  Hutton,  while  bearing  the  flag,  wras 
hit  in  the  breast  by  a  ball,  and  Corporal  Lemuel  F. 
Holland,  seizing  the  colors  bore  them  to  the  top  very 
bravely,  and  was  the  first  one  up.  Everyone  tried 
desperately  to  get  to  the  top  and  did  not  look  around 
much  except  at  the  middle  breastworks  where  the 
panorama  of  battle  was  a  magnificent  sight.  The  rebels 
came  into  our  lines  by  hundreds.  I  threw  my  blanket 
down  once  as  I  was  getting  very  tired,  not  having  en 
tirely  recovered  from  my  wound,  but  as  it  was  likely 
to  be  cold  at  night  and  I  was  w^et  from  crossing  a  little 
stream,  I  picked  it  up  again.  As  we  fired  at  the  re 
treating  rebels  we  aimed  for  an  officer  on  a  white 
horse;  the  prisoners  said  this  person  was  General 
Bragg." 

Colonel  Douglas  Ilapeman  in  his  report,  vide  Reb. 
Rec.  Vol.  31,  Pt.  2,  p.  467,  says:  "The  officers  and  men 
behaved  gallantly.  I  would  especially  notice  Color 
Sergeant  Win.  H.  H.  Hutton,  of  Company  D,  who  wras 
wounded,  and  Corporal  L.  F.  Holland,  Company  D,  who 
carried  the  colors  safely  to  the  top  of  the  hills,  the  first 
colors  of  the  first  brigade  planted  on  the  enemy's 
works." 

It  was  stated  at  the  time  by  a  correspondent  of  the 
Nashville  Press,  that  the  fiag  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  was  the  first  one  of  the  line  planted  on  Mission 
Ridge.  But  the  ridge  being  assaulted  at  six  different 
points,  after  the  troops  had  arrived  near  the  top,  and 


182  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

being  hidden  from  an  unobstructed  view  either  above 
or  below,  this  may  not  have  been  so.  Nevertheless,  if 
not  the  first,  it  was  one  of  them,  and  there  were  certainly 
honors  enough  to  go  round. 

William  M.  Wilson  of  Company  E,  says  of  the  charge 
up  the  ridge:  "I  was  with  the  Regiment  at  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  and  will  give  an  incident 
that  occurred.  In  the  second  rifle  pits  where  we 
stopped  to  rest,  the  rebels  bothered  our  right  particu 
larly  by  their  shooting,  and  one  rebel  sharpshooter 
could  not  be  got  at,  after  many  trials,  so  one  of  the  boys 
said  that  any  one  who  could  shoot  left  handed  would 
fetch  him.  William  A.  Kain,  of  our  Company,  being- 
left  handed,  drew  a  bead  on  the  rebel  and  'silenced 
that  Johnny  so  that  he  did  not  bother  us  any  more.' 7 
Will  Kain  was  soon  after  killed  by  a  shot  in  the  neck. 
Most  of  the  old  members  will  remember  the  jovial  and 
brave  Kain  with  his  dark  hazel  eye  and  pleasant  ad 
dress,  possessing  courage  and  coolness,  united  with  an 
uncommonly  kind  heart. 

Marshall  Bagwill  of  Company  G  says  of  the  assault 
on  Mission  Ridge:  "The  last  charge  at  Mission  Ridge 
was  my  last,  being  wounded  in  the  right  shoulder  and 
left  knee  at  their  last  works.  A  rebel  raised  up  twenty 
feet  from  me  and  sent  a  ball  through  my  hat  rim,  a  roll 
of  blankets  and  the  shoulders.  His  next  three  shots 
lodged  in  the  blankets.  He  then  threw  down  his  gun 
and  surrendered.  I  was  mad  and  about  to  use  my 
bayonet  with  my  left  hand,  when  a  ball  took  me  in  the 
knee  and  I  wilted." 

Henry  Winterscheidt  of  Company  B  says:  "When 
the  word  'Forward'  was  given,  the  army  moved  slowly 
out  of  the  timber  into  the  open  ground.  It  all  looked 
like  a  grand  dress  parade,  but  in  a  short  time  the  top 
of  the  hill  became  lively.  All  the  batteries  there 
belched  forth  grape  and  canister,  and  every  other  kind 
of  missile.  Soon  the  whole  of  the  long  ridge  was  en 
veloped  in  smoke,  and  then  as  we  advanced,  the  infantry 
at  the  foot  of  the  hill  opened  fire  on  us.  One  short  rest 
to  catch  breath  and  we  went  at  them  with  a  Yankee 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  183 

shout  and  a  rush;  the  rebels  had  to  give  way  and  they 
went  pell  mell  into  their  works  half  way  up  the  hill. 
Our  flag  bearer  had  been  shot,  also  the  flag  bearer  of 
the  Eighty-eighth  Indiana;  some  one  shouted,  'Pick  up 
that  flag,  pick  up  that  flag!'  After  another  short  rest 
the  bugle  sounded  again.  Major  Widmer  and  Colonel 
Hapeman  shouted,  'I  want  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  to  be  the  first  regiment  on  that  hill/  Holland 
taking  his  hat  in  one  hand  and  the  flag  in  the  other 
sang  loudly,  'Rally  round  the  flag,  boys,  rally  round 
the  flag.'  The  boys  formed  around  the  colors  and  up 
the  ridge  we  went.  The  rebel  officers  could  be  seen 
swinging  their  swords  and  doing  their  best  to  keep 
their  men  in  line,  but  all  in  vain.  They  called  out,  'Bull 
Kim !'  We  replied,  'Chickamauga !'  Our  men  were  de 
termined  ;  the  rebels  had  to  go.  The  Regiment  captured 
scores  of  prisoners.  When  the  sun  went  down  behind 
Lookout  the  banners  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland 
waved  victorious  over  Mission  Ridge  and  Bragg's  army 
was  in  hasty  retreat." 

William  H.  Conard,  of  Company  E,  giAres  the  follow 
ing  interesting  account  of  that  stirring  period  between 
Chickamauga  and  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge: 

"From  the  21st  of  September,  1863,  the  day  of  retreat 
from  Chickamauga,  up  to  the  23d  of  November,  our 
time  had  been  taken  up  in  digging  rifle  pits,  building 
forts  and  doing  picket  duty,  the  latter  being  no  small 
duty,  as  the  details  were  so  large  that  the  whole  army 
would  come  on  about  every  eight  days. 

"We  were  liable  to  have  a  brush  with  the  Johnnies 
at  any  time,  our  lines  were  so  close.  Our  Regiment  was 
on  picket  the  20th  and  21st  of  November.  This  every 
man  of  the  Regiment  will  remember,  as  it  was  chilly 
and  rainy,  and  we  went  out  without  anything  to  eat. 
On  our  return  to  camp  I  went  to  a  mule  commissary 
and  offered  him  75  cents,  all  the  money  I  had,  for  one 
ear  of  corn,  but  was  refused.  But  the  mules  were  be 
tween  me  and  the  camp,  and  they  had  just  been  fed, 
and  before  I  got  to  camp  one  mule  was  minus  three 


184  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ears  of  corn,  and  I  had  the  benefit  of  it  at  the  mule's 
expense.  This  will  illustrate  the  state  of  our  stomachs 
at  that  time.  Our  position  was  on  the  extreme  right  of 
the  old  Cumerland  Army,  touching  the  Tennessee 
River  below  Chattanooga. 

"Toward  evening  of  the  23d  we  were  ordered  into 
line  and  took  our  positions  to  the  right  and  left  of  Fort 
Negley,  and  laid  on  our  arms  that  night,  but  did  not 
sleep  much,  as  there  was  a  good  deal  of  shelling  going 
on  most  of  the  night.  The  morning  of  the  24th  opened 
up  a  little  rainy  but  soon  cleared  away.  At  noon  the 
enemy  could  be  seen  moving  to  our  left,  along  the  crest 
of  Mission  Ridge.  Soon  we  could  hear  the  sound 
of  battle  over  in  Lookout  Valley,  and  about  noon,  above 
the  misty  clouds,  we  could  see  a  line  of  men  wavering, 
and  soon  another  pressing  them  close.  This  latter  line 
was  'Fighting  Joe  Hooker's'  men  and  Osterhaus'  Di 
vision  of  Sherman's  Fifteenth  Corps.  Until  2  o'clock 
we  had  listened  to  and  watched  the  battle  to  our  right, 
then  Carlin's  brigade,  to  which  our  Regiment  belonged, 
was  ordered  to  reinforce  Hooker  on  Lookout  Mountain. 
We  had  some  difficulty  in  getting  across  Chattanooga 
Creek  as  it  is  quite  deep  near  the  mountain,  and  we  had 
to  be  ferried  over.  However,  we  were  soon  across  and 
well  up  the  mountain  side.  Just  where  we  crossed  the 
old  Jackson  trail  that  winds  around  the  mountain, 
stood  old  fighting  Joe  beside  his  gray  charger  waiting 
for  us.  Our  General  (Carlin)  received  his  orders,  and 
we  at  once  relieved  Geary's  men  and  continued  the 
battle  until  after  midnight,  and  then  laid  on  our  arms, 
our  Regiment  occupying  the  garden  of  the  White,  or 
Craven,  House.  One  historian  has  said  that  'Carlin's 
battle,  after  darkness  had  set-  in,  as  viewed  from  the 
town  below,  was  one  of  the  most  interesting  sights  of 
the  war.'  It  was  a  grand  sight  for  us  as  we  looked 
down  from  our  elevation  of  1,800  feet  to  the  town  below, 
and  traced  our  lines  by  the  camp  fires  as  they  stretched 
away  across  the  valley,  and  up  the  river  for  seven  miles. 
At  9  o'clock  of  the  25th  we  commenced  to  move  toward 
Mission  Ridge,  recrossing  Chattanooga  Creek  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  185 

joining  our  own  division  to  the  right  and  front  of 
Orchard  Knob.  We  had  hardly  time  to  make  our  coffee 
when  the  'Fall  in'  was  called  for  the  assault  on  Mis 
sion  Eidge.  It  must  have  been  one  mile  from  where 
we  began  to  move  in  line  to  the  first  rifle  pits,  from  this 
line  to  the  last  one  on  top  of  the  ridge  about  seventy 
rods,  there  being  five  lines  in  all,  directly  in  front  of  us. 
The  ground  was  cleared,  and  as  far  as  we  could  see 
from  right  to  left,  our  lines  were  perfect,  until  we  came 
in  range  of  the  enemy's  fire,  when  our  General(Carlin) 
who  was  in  the  lead,  gave  the  order,  'Double  quick!' 
Ours  was  a  running  fire  until  the  first  works  were 
taken.  From  there  on  our  progress  was  slower,  as  the 
ground  was  rough  and  the  rifle  pits  close  together. 
Our  hardest  fighting  was  between  the  third  and  fourth 
lines.  At  this  point  our  loss  was  considerable.  But 
very  few  rebels  got  away  from  the  third  line.  Those 
who  attempted  to  run  were  mostly  killed  or  wounded. 
One  poor  wounded  rebel  lay  just  in  my  line  of  march; 
I  can  never  forget  the  look  of  despair  depicted  on  his 
countenance  as  he  lay  there  begging  us  not  to  kill 
him.  I  stopped  and  gave  him  a  drink  of  water  from 
my  canteen.  How  his  countenance  changed!  He  had 
tried  to  get  awray,  as  he  said  that  his  officers  had  told 
them  that  if  they  fell  into  our  hands  we  would  kill 
them.  Shame  on  the  soldier  who  would  do  such  a 
cowardly  act!  While  our  lines  were  re-forming  on  tne 
crest  of  the  ridge,  an  officer  and  staff:'  galloped 
diagonally  across  our  front;  we  raised  our  guns  to  fire, 
but  our  officers  ordered  us  not  to  fire;  they  said  it  was 
General  Hooker,  but  it  proved  to  be  General  Bragg. 
He  also  rode  a  white  horse  that  day.  Barnes,  in  his 
brief  history  of  the  United  States,  page  247,  says  of  the 
charge  of  Mission  Eidge:  'Up  they  went,  over  rocks 
and  chasms,  all  lines  broken,  the  flags  far  ahead,  each 
surrounded  by  a  group  of  the  bravest;  without  firing 
a  shot,  and  heedless  of  the  tempest  hurled  upon  them, 
they  surmounted  the  crest.'  If  Mr.  Barnes  had  been 
on  the  ridge  with  the  Johnnies  he  would  have  been 
aware  that  there  were  some  shots  fired. 


186  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

"In  regard  to  the  first  flag  planted  on  the  ridge  by 
our  forces,  I  quote  the  army  correspondent  of  the 
'Nashville  Press/  which  I  clipped  from  that  paper  a 
short  time  after  the  battle:  'The  honor  of  first  plant 
ing  the  National  flag  on  Mission  Ridge  belongs  to 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regiment  of  Illinois 
Volunteers,  First  Brigade,  First  Division.  This  Regi 
ment  charged  over  five  distinct  lines  of  the  enemy's 
works,  driving  their  sharpshooters  before  them  and 
planting  their  flag  on  the  enemy's  works  on  the  summit 
of  the  ridge  in  advance  of  others.'  We  bivouacked  that 
night  on  the  ridge,  and  I  enjoyed  the  best  rest  that  I  had 
had  since  we  had  been  besieged  in  Chattanooga,  as  I 
had  the  privilege  of  sleeping  under  a  rebel's  quilt,  one 
that  was  large  enough  to  cover  six  of  us.  I  had  not 
slept  under  a  blanket  since  we  left  Stevenson,  Alabama, 
on  the  1st  day  of  September,  when  we  piled  our  knap 
sacks  and  stripped  ourselves  for  hard  marching  and 
fighting." 

Charles  G.  Phillips,  of  Company  D,  says  in  regard 
to  the  events  of  the  23d,  24th  and  25th  (compiled  from 
his  letters  written  home  at  the  time) : 

"November  23d  was  a  stirring  day  in  Chattanooga. 
It  was  cold  and  looked  like  rain.  In  the  forenoon  there 
was  nothing  going  on  and  the  boys  were  hunting  around 
for  something  to  eat,for  we  were  on  one-fourth  rations. 
At  2  p.  m.  the  bugle  blew  the  assembly  and  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  took  its  place  on  the  left  of  the 
brigade,  then  we  lay  in  line  of  battle  all  night  without 
fires.  We  did  not  sleep  much  and  about  3  a.  m.  of  the 
24th  we  moved  east  of  Fort  Negley.  At  daylight  it 
began  raining  and  we  built  some  fires.  About  12  we 
saw  Hooker's  men  driving  the  rebel  lines  around  the 
point  of  Lookout  and  cheers  were  heard  on  all  parts 
of  our  lines.  Then  at  2  we  were  ordered  to  march  and 
reinforce  Hooker.  We  reached  the  foot  of  the  mountain 
at  sundown  and  at  10  reached  the  Craven  House,  when 
not  long  after  the  rebels  made  a  sortie  on  our  Brigade 
but  were  repulsed.  The  firing  continued  until  2  a.  m. 
of  the  25th,  when  all  became  quiet  and  we  were  allowed 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  187 

to  lie  down.  In  the  morning  many  rebel  deserters  came 
in  and  said  they  were  tired  of  the  war.  The  Stars  and 
Stripes  were  thrown  to  the  breeze  from  the  top  of 
Lookout  about  8,  amidst  immense  cheering.  At  9  we 
marched  back  to  Chattanooga  and  to  our  position  about 
a  mile  from  Mission  Eidge  and  formed  in  line  for  the 
assault.  We  then  stacked  arms  and  waited  for  the 
order  to  advance.  About  4  p.  in.  the  order  came  and 
the  Regiment  started  going  through  some  timbered  land 
for  half  a  mile,  when  we  had  to  cross  an  open  field, 
which  we  did  on  the  double  quick  for  the  rebels  were 
shelling  us  from  the  ridge.  At  the  foot  of  the  ridge 
was  a  line  of  works  wrhich'we  rushed  for  and  got  in,  the 
rebels  rushing  out  and  up  the  ridge.  They  had  three 
other  lines  and  w^ere  firing*  at  us  lively,  and  those  linos 
had  to  be  taken.  Could  it  be  done?  Yes;  the  command 
wras,  'Forward,  One  Hundred  and  Fourth!'  The  men 
jumped  to  their  feet  and  over  the  earth- works  and 
charged  for  the  next  line,  which  was  full  of  rebels  firing 
at  us  as  fast  as  they  could,  but  when  we  got  pretty  near 
they  left  and  scrambled  for  the  top  of  the  ridge.  We 
had  a  good  chance  to  shoot  at  them,  which  we  did. 
When  we  reached  the  rifle  pits  midway  up,  we  were  all 
tired  out  and  a  halt  was  made  to  rest,  but  we  kept 
shooting  whenever  wre  could  see  a  rebel  to  shoot  at,  and 
they  likewise  sent  the  balls  thick  and  fast  over  our 
heads  and  among  us,  but  we  had  become  used  to  them. 
After  a  rest  of  about  five  minutes,  the  orders  were, 
'Forward !  Drive  them  from  the  top P  With  a  shout 
the  men  sprang  over  the  works  and  began  climbing, 
yelling  as  we  went,  at  the  top  of  our  voices,  and  shoot 
ing  as  fast  as  we  could  load  and  fire,  no  one  knowing 
but  what  he  might  be  the  next  one  to  fall.  When  we 
arrived  at  the  top  the  rebels  broke  and  ran  and  we 
after  them.  Our  flag  wras  the  first  planted  on  the  ridge 
and  there  was  joy,  shouting  and  handshaking  with  each 
other.  That  was  a  happy  meeting,  to  know  that  the 
Stars  and  Stripes  waved  over  Lookout  and  Mission 
Eidge  again.  There  was  some  more  firing,  but  the 
rebels  had  run  off  and  it  was  almost  night,so  we  were 


THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

told  to  go  into  camp  there.  The  night  was  very  cold, 
but  we  had  good  fires  and  slept  soundly." 

The  loss  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  at  Mission 
Eidge  was  as  follows:  Killed— Adelbert  S.  Hannun, 
Company  B;  Isaac  A.  Foot,  Company  C;  William  A. 
Kain,  Campany  E;  Charles  M.  Moore,  Company  H. 
Henry  C.  Douglas,  Company  I.  Total,  5. 

Mortally  Wounded — Lieutenant  Orrin  S.  Davidson, 
Company  H;  David  C.  Griffith,  Company  A;  Stephen 
J.  Shelton,  Company  B;  Samuel  N.  Trenary,  Company 
F.  Total,  4. 

Wounded — Lieutenant  William  C.  Ross,  Company 
B;  Sergeant  Philander  Talbot,  Company  B;  Sergeant 
W.  H.  H.  Hutton,  Company  D ;  Sergeant  Samuel  Lynn, 
Company  C;  Anson  S.  Smith,  Company  D;  Joshua  Wil 
son,  Company  B;  William  Wilkinson,  Company  E; 
William  Gottman,  Company  F;  Isaac  W.  Gatchell, 
Company  F;  Marshall  Bagwill,  Company  G;  William 
M.  Jones,  Company  G;  Charles  B.  Cook,  Company  G; 
George  W.  Hammett,  Company  H;  Edgar  W.  Mosher, 
Company  H;  James  J.  Traver,  Company  I;  Charles 
Ruger,  Company  E ;  John  Coyne,  Company  I.  Total,  17. 
Total  killed  and  wounded,  26;  which  was  large  in 
proportion  to  the  actual  size  of  the  Regiment.  The 
loss  in  the  Brigade,  consisting  of  nine  regiments,  at 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  including  one 
killed  at  Graysville  the  next  day,  was  25  killed,  1'>I 
wounded.  Its  capture  of  nan  with  arms  in  hand,  300. 
The  Division  lost  in  killed  and  wounded,  from  the  two 
brigads,  a  total  of  304.  Its  captur  of  prisonrs  was 
1,165,  of  cannon  4,  besides  arms,  etc.  The  entire  rebel 
losses  in  the  two  battles,  including  the  fight  at  Ring- 
gold  on  the  27th,  according  to  their  reports,  were: 
Killed,  361;  wounded,  2,180;  missing,  4,146;  total,  6,667 
Our  losses  were:  Killed,  753;  wounded,  4,722;  missing, 
349;  total,  5,824.  Grand  total  on  both  sides,  12,491. 
We  captured  .forty  pieces  of  artillery,  many  thousands 
of  small  arms,  ammunition,  wagons,  supplies,  etc. 

Important  as  were  the  results  flowing  from  the  bat 
tles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  glorious 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  189 

as  was  the  record  of  the  gallant  troops  engaged  therein, 
reflecting  imperishable  honor  on  American  valor,  yet 
not  all  was  accomplished  that  General  Grant  had 
expected  and  deesired.  His  plans  contemplated  the 
entire  destruction  or  capture  of  General  Bragg's  army, 
and  this  would  have  been  accomplished  had  not  sev 
eral  circumstances  contributed  to  defeat  that  result. 
Over  one  of  these  at  least  General  Grant  had  no  con 
trol.  The  first  was  the  heavy  fog  in  Chattanooga  Val 
ley  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  and  the  necessary  delay 
of  Hooker  by  it,  and  also  by  bridge  burning,  which  pre 
vented  his  attacking  the  rebel  left  until  nearly  three 
p.  m.,  and  in  consequence  of  which,  perhaps,  Thomas 
was  withheld  so  long.  The  other  circumstance  was 
Sherman's  failure  to  break  the  rebel  right  at  the  tun 
nel.  Had  General  Grant  himself  been  present  with 
Sherman,  he  might  have  ordered  other  movements  to 
be  made  by  General  Davis'  big  division  and  those  of 
Howard,  which  would  have  changed  the  aspect  of 
affairs  on  that  flank.  But  General  Grant  could  now 
relieve  Burnside,  and  on  the  night  of  the  25th  issued 
orders  to  Generals  Granger  and  Sherman  accordingly, 
while  the  pursuit  of  Bragg  w^as  begun  during  the  night 
and  early  on  the  26th,  by  General  Hooker  and  General 
Palmer,  the  latter  then  commanding  the  Fourteenth 
€orps. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  moved  early  on  the 
morning  of  the  26th  with  the  brigade  toward  Grays- 
ville,  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  and  overtook  them  after 
dark  near  that  place,  but  they  were  in  no  mood  for 
fighting  and  hurried  across  Chickamauga  Creek  by 
wading  waist  deep  in  the  icy  cold  water  and  escaped, 
leaving,  however,  in  our  hands,  a  fine  Napoleon  gun 
and  other  material.  Some  fifty  prisoners  were  also  cap 
tured.  The  command  then  went  into  bivouac.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had  started  on  this  inarch 
wholly  unprepared  except  in  the  matter  of  ammuni 
tion,  of  which  each  man  carried  one  hundred  rounds. 
They  were  also  supposed  to  have  rations  for  four  days, 
but  these  were  not  full  ones.  Colonel  Hapeman  says 


190  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  his  report:  "A  number  of  the  men  had  no  shirts, 
their  shoes  were  worn  out,  clothing  all  poor,  and  none 
of  them  had  overcoats."  There  was  consequently  much 
suffering,  but  they  cheerfully  endured  all.  The  march 
was  resumed  on  the  27th,  and  many  prisoners  taken 
on  the  way.  On  approaching  Ringgold  the  sound  of. 
Hooker's  guns  was  heard.  The  enemy  had  made  a 
stand  on  Taylor's  Kidge,  and  Osterhaus  was  engaged. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  placed  on  the  left 
of  his  line  and  two  companies  of  skirmishers  thrown 
forward,  who  advanced  to  the  top,  but  the  enemy, 
attacked  everywhere,  withdrew.  The  Regiment  then 
remained  in  line  of  battle  until  night,  when  it  was 
detailed  for  picket  duty  on  the  left  flank  of  the  brigade. 
The  28th  set  in  with  both  rain  and  snow,  making 
things  very  unpleasant  for  the  Regiment,  wMch  was 
on  picket  until  four  p.  m.  before  relieved.  It  then 
bivouacked  near  the  ridge  until  eleven  a.  m.  of  the 
29th,  when  the  march  was  begun  for  Chattanooga. 
This  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most  trying  ever  made,  and 
on  arriving  there  at  seven  in  the  evening,  the  men  were 
nearly  exhausted  from  cold,  hunger  and  privation;  some 
had  their  feet  frozen  on  this  return  march.  George 
Marsh  speaks  of  Wm.  P.  Newcomb  shooting  a  goat 
while  away,  for  food,  and  naively  says:  "But  it  did 
not  taste  very  good,  too  strong!"  However  that  may 
have  been,  it  is  far  preferable  as  an  article  of  diet,  to 
crow.  Charles  G-  Phillips  remarks  very  honestly:  "On 
arriving  at  Chattanooga  after  dark,  we  were  all  used 
up,  hungry,  tired  and  cold,  and  glad  that  we  had  got 
home."  In  the  Ringgold  affair  Hooker  lost  65  killed 
and  377  wounded.  The  enemy  left  130  dead  on  the 
field.  Number  of  wounded  not  known;  230  prisoners 
were  taken.  Further  offensive  operations  were  soon 
after  suspended  and  the  main  part  of  the  army  with 
drawn  to  Chattanooga,  where  it  went  into  winter  quar 
ters.  General  Sherman's  troops  also  returned  from 
Knoxville,  Longstreet  having  raised  the  siege  and 
retreated.  A  period  of  rest  and  recuperation  was  ren 
dered  necessary  before  beginning  the  next  campaign 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  191 

into  that  inner  South  of  which  Chattanooga  was  the 
natural  entrance  and  had  been  so  regarded  for  nearly 
two  years,  and  hence  the  battles  and  campaigns  fought 
and  conducted  with  so  much  perseverance  and  fierce 
ness  on  both  sides.  The  Southern  people  were  again 
surprised  and  shocked,  but  probably  not  more  so  than 
General  Bragg,  who,  withdrawing  his  army  to  Dalton, 
was  soon  after  relieved  from  command  at  his  own 
request  and  succeeded  by  General  Hardee,  who  a  little 
later  was  superseded  by  General  J.  E.  Johnston.  Gen 
eral  Bragg  in  his  report  says :  "No  satisfactory  excuse 
can  possibly  be  given  for  the  shameful  conduct  of  our 
troops  on  his  left  in  allowing  their  line  to  be  pene 
trated.  The  position  was  one  which  ought  to  have 
been  held  by  a  line  of  skirmishers  against  any  assault 
ing  column."  (Vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol.  31,  Ft.  2,  p.  666.) 
But  General  Bragg,  however,  had  failed  to  recognize 
a  certain  element  that  was  one  of  the  factors,  and  a 
powerful  one,  too,  in  these  battles.  That  factor  was 
the  moral  forces  at  work  in  the  minds  of  his  soldiers. 
The  irresistible  and  fierce  charges  of  Hooker's  men  on 
Lookout  Mountain  gave  them  a  dim  foreboding  of  what 
was  to  follow.  The  impressions  made  on  the  plains  of 
Chattanooga  by  the  splendid  and  powerful  array  of 
our  armies,  accompanied  by  the  pomp  and  panoply  of 
glorious  war  when  the  first  advance  was  made  by  Wood 
and  Sheridan,  were  well  calculated  to  weaken  their 
confidence  in  themselves.  And  when  as  a  finale  they 
looked  down  upon  the  miles  of  glittering  arms,  the 
hundreds  of  waving  standards  and  flags,  bore  to  the 
assault  by  Thomas'  advancing  legions,  there  was  a 
moral  force  about  it  that  could  not  fail  of  its  effect. 
They  knew  that  those  men  would  carry  the  heights, 
and  the  courage  of  thousands  failed,  who  on  other  fields 
had  proven  their  valor. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


The   Flanking-  of   Dalton — Advance  to  the  Etowah — Battles  of  Re- 
saca    and    New    Hope    Church — Seizure  of  Allatoona. 


At  the  termination  of  the  battles    and    campaign 
around   Chattanooga  the  One   Hundred  and   Fourth 
enjoyed  a  period  of  rest  from  fighting  and  again  set 
tled  down  to  the  duties  of  camp  life.     On  December 
1st  the  army  passed  in  review  before  General  Grant, 
and  it  was  a  proud  occasion  for  the  heroes  of  many  bat 
tles.     During  the  month  the  Regiment  was  employed 
on  the  new  water-works  or  reservoir,  projected  and 
built  on  Cameron  Hill.     When  finished  the  water  was 
pumped  into  it  from  the  Tennessee  by  using  the  motive 
power  of  an  old  flour  mill  which  stood  on  the  bank  of 
the  river.     Pipes  were  run  from  the  reservoir  to  the 
Government  buildings  in  the  town.     This  enterprise 
proved  to  be  a  great  blessing  to  Chattanooga  and  was 
in  use  until  a  few  years  ago.    The  repairs  on  the  rail 
road  not  being  completed  there  was  a  scarcity  of  rations 
to  feed  the  army  until  the  middle  of  January.    Christ 
mas  and  New  Year's  proved  to  be  dull  in  many  respects, 
notably  by  the  absence  of  luxuries  from  the  dinner- 
tables  of  the  soldiers.    W.  H.  Conard  notes,  however, 
that  "We  had  cow  tail  soup  for  dinner."     Sherman 
Leland  says,  "Our  dinner  consisted  of  coffee  and  Lin 
coln  platforms"  (crackers).     But  on  January  13th  a 
change  came,  produced  by  the  arrival    of   the    first 
"Cracker"  train  over  the  railroad,  and  this  was  soon 
followed  by  five  others.     Their  arrival  was  greeted  by 
shouts  of  joy  from  the  army  that  had  been  reduced 
many  times  to  the  very  verge  of  starvation  and  had 
endured  suffering  for  months,  besides  fighting  two  bat 
tles  on  empty  stomachs. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had  become  consid- 


REGIMfiNT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  193 

* 

erably  reduced  by  battles  and  disease.  The  wounded 
were  in  hospitals  or  had  been  sent  home  to  recover. 
Some,  also,  were  so  fortunate  as  to  be  granted  fur 
loughs  to  go  home.  Lieutenants  Porter  and  Ross,  of 
Company  B,  both  being  wounded  (the  former  losing  his 
left  arm  at  Chickamauga),  Lieutenant  Clark  com 
manded  Company  B  for  a  time.  "Bill"  Ross,  afterward 
Captain  of  Company  B,  was  a  man  not  likely  to  be  for 
gotten  by  any  one  who  ever  met  him  or  had  occasion  to 
run  against  his  six  feet  three  or  four  inches  of  cor- 
porosity  and  listened  to  the  dulcet  tones  of  his  per 
suasive  voice  when  things  did  not  go  to  suit  him.  E. 
F.  Mallory,  of  Company  I,  sends  the  writer  the  follow 
ing  incident  about  our  friend  William,  so  characteristic 
of  him  that  it  seems  appropriate  to  introduce  it  here. 
He  says:  "If  you  were  with  us  after  the  surrender  at 
Hartsville,  you  may  have  noticed,  as  I  and  others  did, 
that  Orderly  Sergeant  Ross,  with  cane  in  hand,  went 
limping  along  with  a  bandage  on  his  leg.  This  was  a 
blind  he  used  to  keep  his  body  warm,  that  is,  to  keep 
the  rebels  from  stealing  his  overcoat.  The  ruse  suc 
ceeded.  After  the  battle  of  Mission  Ridge,  while  I  was 
sick  in  Nashville  and  walking  out  one  day,  whom  should 
I  meet  but  Lieutenant  Ross,  with  cane  in  hand  and  the 
same  old  limp.  I  thought  at  once  of  Hartsville  and  it 
seemed  so  natural  and  comical  that  I  began  laughing, 
for  which  I  asked  to  be  excused  as  it  reminded  me  of 
the  Hartsville  limp.  'Yes,'  says  he,  'but  the  curious 
part  of  it  is  that  this  time  it  is  genuine,  and  the  wound 
is  right  where  I  had  the  bandage  then.  Say,  Rastus, 
was  it  a  judgment  from  Heaven?'  I  have  often  thought 
0f  the  occurrence  since."  About  the  10th  of  January 
Captain  Collins  was  detailed  to  take  charge  of  and 
command  all  the  ambulance  and  medical  trains  of  the 
Fourteenth  Corps,  and  thereupon  Lieutenant  Clark 
assumed  command  of  Company  D.  On  the  16th,  Captain 
Ludington,  of  Company  H,  senior  captain,  resigned.  On 
January  22d  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  moved  camp 
about  two  miles  over  to  the  east  side  of  town  beyond 
Fort  Wood  and  near  Citico  Creek.  George  Marsh,  writ- 


i        184  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ing  on  February  7th,  says:  "One  of  the  big  brick  ware 
houses  full  of  army  supplies  burned  down  last  night. 
The  boys  have  just  received  enough  socks  and  mittens 
from  the  ladies  of  La  Salle  county  to  last  them  six 
months.  Lieutenant  M.  Osman,  Sergeant-Major  Q.  D. 
Whitman,  Sergeant  W.  Misner,  of  Company  G;  Corporal 
L.  F.  Holland,  of  Company  D,  and  Corporal  S.  A.  Signor,, 
of  Company  C,  have  gone  home  on  recruiting  service  and 
to  see  their  families." 

As  the  army  was  short  of  mules  and  horses  owing 
to  the  awful  mortality  during  the  siege,  a  new  supply 
became  necessary  before  any  new  movements  could  be 
inaugurated,  and  on  February  llth  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  was  sent  to  Nashville  to  bring  forward  all 
that  could  be  obtained.  This  excursion  was  agreeable 
to  the  boys,  as  it  was  a  break  into  the  monotony  of  the 
last  two  months,  and  gave  them  an  opportunity  to  see 
our  wounded  in  Nashville  hospitals,  and  to  enjoy  the 
sights  of  the  capital,  where  they  had  formerly  spent 
some  pleasant  weeks.  On  arrival  the  Regiment  was 
quartered  in  Barracks  No.  3,  Broad  street,  but  on  the 
15th  moved  to  Gun  Factory.  Captain  Leighton,  of 
Company  A,  who  was  then  in  Nashville  still  suffering 
from  his  wound,  says,  "The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
are  here  and  having  a  good  time  catching  and  breaking 
mules  and  enjoying  their  holiday  by  attending  the  va 
rious  places  of  amusement,  principally  the  theater  where 
J.  W.  Booth  is  now  playing,  many  of  course  attending 
church  on  Sunday.  The  mules  are  mostly  young  and 
wilder  than  a  Comanche  Indian.  The  process  of  catch 
ing  them  is  fun  for  the  boys,  but  quite  the  contrary  for 
the  poor  muley.  They  throw  a  rope  over  his  head  and 
dragging  him  out  of  the  drove,  one  seizes  him  by  the 
ears  and  throws  him  down  when  he  is  held  until  bridled 
and  harnessed,  then  being  let  up,  muley  rebels,  refuses 
to  move,  but  is  put  in  motion,  not  by  moral  suasion, 
but  by  a  liberal  application  of  blacksnake."  Having 
by  March  3d  secured  one  thousand  mules,  two  hundred 
horses  and  eighty  wagons,  the  Regiment  started  about 
noon  for  the  front  and  going  four  miles  went  into  camp.. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  195- 

The  following  "itinerary"  of  the  journey  was  given 
to  the  writer  by  Sherman  Leland  "March  4th.  Broke 
camp  at  eight  a.  m.  Thirty  non-comniissioned  officers 
commanded  by 'Major  Widmer,  acted  as  advance  guard. 
Halted  at  La  Vergne  for  dinner,  then  moved  on  and 
camped  for  the  night  at  Stewart's  Greek  near  a  large 
brick  house. 

"March  5th.  Leaving  camp  early  we  made  twenty- 
two  miles  on  the  Shelbyville  Road  and  camped. 

"March  6th.  Started  early  and  passed  through 
Shelbyville,  a  very  lovely  place.  Having  made  twenty 
miles  we  camped  at  night  on  Thompson's  Creek.. 

"March  7th.  Starting  at  eight  we  reached  Tulla- 
homa  at  eleven,  where  we  got  dinner,  loaded  forage, 
and  then  pushed  on  to  the  Elk  River,  where  we  went 
into  camp  during  a  hard  storm  near  a  graveyard. 

"March  8th.  We  remained  in  camp  to-day  waiting 
for  teams  that  were  behind,  stuck  in  the  mud. 

"March  9th.  All  of  the  teams  having  come  up  we 
started  at  eight  and  crossing  the  Elk  reached  Cowan 
soon  after  n^oon.  The  Regimental  Postmaster  joined 
us  here  with  a  good  supply  of  letters.  Going  on  a  few 
miles  we  camped  on  a  creek  at  the  foot  of  the  moun 
tains.  There  wrere  fish  in  the  creek,  but  they  failed  to 
bite. 

"March  10th.  During  the  night  it  rained  very  hard, 
but  we  began  to  ascend  the  Cumberlands  and  by  the 
route  followed  when  we  set  out  on  the  Chickamauga 
campaign.  The  road  proved  to  be  most  horrible,  but 
we  made  Tantallon  and  bivouacked. 

"March  llth.  The  creeks  wrere  much  swollen,  but 
managing  to  get  our  stock  across  we  moved  on,  and 
in  some  places  had  to  swim  the  animals.  My  horse- 
stumbling  I  received  a  good  ducking.  Camped  to-night 
at  Anderson's. 

"March  12th.  We  moved  on  down  the  valley  and 
passing  through  Stevenson,  camped  two  miles  beyond. 
We  were  now  getting  nearer  the  front. 

"March  13th.  Setting  out  at  seven  a.  m.  for  Bridge 
port,  Ala.,  we  soon  met  a  man  who  was  decrepit  from 


196  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

age  and  hardship  and  was  then  on  his  way  home  after 
an  imprisonment  of  seven  months  in  Libby.  He  had 
been  incarcerated  because  a  Unionist.  We  crossed  the 
Tennessee  at  Bridgeport  and  went  into  camp  near 
Hog  Jaw  Valley,  where  we  stationed  a  strong  picket, 
it  now  being  necessary  to  guard  our  lines  well. 

"March  14th.  Starting  early  we  arrived  at  White- 
sides  at  three  p.  m.  In  passing  the  'Narrows'  we  had 
some  difficulty,  as  for  a  mile  there  was  just  room  be 
tween  the  mountains  and  the  river  for  the  rail  and 
wagon  roads.  I  here  took  advantage  of  the  opportunity 
to  visit  the  famous  Nick-a-Jack  cave,  where  the  rebels 
had  saltpetre  works.  This  is  a  great  naturalfcuriosity, 
said  to  run  back  under  Sand  Mountain  for  miles.  A 
creek  of  the  purest  water  runs  from  it;  beautiful  in 
crustations  fresco  the  roof. 

"On  the  15th  the  cavalcade  moved  on,  and  passing 
by  the  old  road  around  and  over  the  north  end  of 
Lookout,  went  on  through  Chattanooga  and  into  camp 
two  miles  from  Mission  Ridge.  Here  we  remained 
until  the  17th,  meantime  turning  over  our  stock  in  good 
order,  and  collecting  the  baggage  left  behind.  The  trip 
of  five  weeks  had  been  a  successful  one  and  was  enjoyed 
by  all.  WTe  found  the  weather  warm  and  peach  and 
other  trees  had  been  in  bloom  for  two  weeks." 

During  the  absence  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
vast  preparations  had  been  in  progress  looking  to  the 
spring  campaign  against  the  rebel  army,  then  com 
manded  by  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston,  which  lay 
intrenched  at  Dalton  and  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  ready  to 
dispute  the  passage  of  the  Union  armies  into  Georgia. 
In  March  General  Sherman  had  been  designated  by 
General  Grant  as  the  Commander  of  the  Military 
Division  of  the  Mississippi,  the  latter  having  been 
made  the  General-in-Chief  of  all  the  armies  of  the 
United  States.  About  March  25th  General  Sherman, 
accompanied  by  General  McPherson,  repaired  to  Chat 
tanooga  to  confer  with  General  Thomas  and  arrange 
the  plans  of  campaign.  Strong  reconnoissances  made 
in  February  by  several  divisions  of  the  Fourteenth 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  197 

Corps  in  the  direction  of  Dalton  had  developed  the  fact 
that  the  enemy  were  in  heavy  force  at  Buzzard's  Roost 
of  Rocky  Face,  and  at  other  points.  After  some  fight 
ing,  with  a  loss  of  several  hundred  men,  it  was  deter 
mined  that  all  attempts  to  dislodge  the  rebels  then 
would  be  futile.  Therefore  the  troops  were  posted  in 
good  positions  to  await  further  developments.  Two 
•  brigades  of  Johnson's  Division  were  placed  at  Tyner's 
Station  on  the  Knoxville  Railroad,  nine  miles  from 
Chattanooga,  and  the  third  at  Graysville  with  a  force 
at  Parker's  Gap. 

On  the  17th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  rejoined 
Johnson's  Division  at  Tyner's,  and  on  the  19th  marched 
to  Graysville.  Leland  says :  "We  camped  on  the  edge 
of  a  beautiful  grove  of  young  pines.  Jhe  tents  were 
pitched  in  regular  order  and  the  boys,  fearing  we  would 
remain  some  time,  beautified  their  quarters.  Trees 
were  set  out,  grounds  cleared  and  an  evergreen  stand 
built  for  the  band  boys.  General  Palmer,  Commander 
of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  came  along  and  complimented 
us  on  having  the  most  orderly  and  prettiest  camp  in 
the  Department."  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
remained  at  Graysville  engaged  in  heavy  picket  duty 
and  in  preparing  for  the  advance  soon  to  be  made. 
One-half  of  the  Regiment  was  often  on  picket.  A 
number  of  recruits  had  joined  the  Regiment,  but  there 
were  less  than  three  hundred  men  in  all,  including  the 
old  members  who  had  returned.  Captain  Leighton 
arrived  on  the  8th,  but  his  wound  still  troubled  him 
very  much.  He  was,  however,  anxious  to  be  with  his 
Company,  which  had  twenty-seven  men  for  duty.  On 
the  27th  of  April  marching  orders  came  and  also  orders 
to  have  twenty  days'  rations  ready;  all  baggage  was 
to  be  sent  to  Chattanooga. 

General  Sherman,  on  assuming  the  command,  had 
set  about  reorganizing  his  armies  and  making  every 
preparation  for  the  long  and  remarkable  campaign  to 
follow.  He  had  the  three  armies  of  the  Cumberland, 
the  Tennessee  and  the  Ohio,  commanded  respectively 
by  Generals  Thomas,  McPherson  and  Schofield,  from 


i       198  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

which  to  select  his  grand  army  of  invasion.  He  pro 
posed  to  take  50,000  men  of  the  first,  35,000  of  the  sec 
ond  and  15,000  of  the  third,  total  100,000,  and  mobilize 
them  by  banishing  wagons,  tents,  baggage,  and  every 
thing  not  absolutely  necessary.  Each  regiment  was 
allowed  but  one  wagon  and  one  ambulance.  Each  sol 
dier  and  officer  was  required  to  carry  on  his  person 
his  clothing  and  five  days'  rations.  A  mule  or  pack 
horse  was  allowed  to  the  officers  of  each  company. 
Tents  were  to  be  taken  for  the  sick  and  wounded  only, 
except  that  each  headquarters  was  allowed  a  tent. 

General  Sherman  and  his  Staff  proposed  to  use  tent 
flies  only.  These  could  be  spread  over  fence  rails,  poles, 
etc.  General  Thomas,  however,  did  not  obey  the.  order 
but  had  his  regjilar  tents,  and  Sherman  says  that  the 
boys  called  his  establishment  "Thomas'  Circus."  When 
May  2d  arrived,  which  time  had  been  set  by  Grant  for 
a  general  and  united  movement  of  all  the  armies  of 
the  Union  against  the  hosts  of  the  rebellion,  General 
Sherman's  army  mustered  .as  follows:  Army  of  the 
Cumberland,  60,773  men;  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  24,465 
men;  Army  of  the  Ohio,  13,555  men;  grand  aggregate, 
98,797  men;  artillery,  254  guns.  This  powerful  array 
was  to  be  further  increased  soon  by  cavalry  divisions 
not  yet  attached.  In  addition,  General  Frank  P.  Blair, 
with  two  divisions,  constituting  the  Seventeenth  Army 
Corps,  joined  Sherman  on  June  9th  at  Ackworth  and 
Big  Shanty,  Ga. 

To  oppose  this  powerful  aggregation  General  John 
ston  had  on  May  1st,  as  per  his  report,  (vide  Eeb.  Tiec., 
Vol.  38,  Pt.  3,  p."  614),  40,900  infantry  and  artillery,  and 
about  4,000  cavalry.  But  by  June  1st  his  army  had 
been  increased  to  nearly  60,000  men.  He  had  in  his 
favor  also  the  advantage  of  choosing  his  positions, 
which  were  fortified  in  advance  by  thousands  of  slaves. 
The  natural  defenses  of  the  country  were  formidable 
in  character  and  made  every  mountain,  hill  and  valley, 
as  well  as  rivers  and  streams,  a  source  of  strength. 
His  army  would  increase  constantly,  while  as  Sherman 
moved  further  away  he  must  lose  besides  losses  in 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  199 

battle,  many  thousands,  detached  to  hold  his  lines  to 
the  rear  and  defend  the  conquered  territory.  These 
conditions  balanced  much  of  the  difference  in  size  of 
the  two  armies.  '  Captain  Leighton,  writing  on  the 
29th  of  April,  says:  "We  are  still  at  Graysville.  My 
wound  is  troublesome.  I  am  getting  used  to  the  old 
rations  and  camp  life  again.  Things  are  pleasant  in 
the  Regiment,  the  men  are  healthy  and  in  fine  spirits. 
Our  camp  is  situated  four  miles  from  our  picket  lines, 
which  are  south  of  Taylor's  Kidge.  From  the  picket 
station  on  top  of  the  ridge  we  can  see  both  lines  of 
pickets.  There  is  a  half  mile  of  neutral  ground.  The 
pickets  exchange  compliments  every  day  or  two,  and 
have  tried  several  times  to  drive  our  men  from  the 
picket  station,  but  failed.  This  morning  at  seven  they 
began  the  exercise  again,  but  without  avail,  as  six 
regiments  were  sent  out.  Ours,  however,  was  not 
ordered  forward — one-half  of  it  being  already  on  the 
picket  line.  Many  prisoners  were  brought  in.  On 
account  of  my  wound  Colonel  Hapemau  assigned  me 
to  light  duty." 

Writing  on  May  1st,  Captain  Leighton  says:  "We 
received  orders  at  twelve  last  night  that  reveille  would 
sound  at  four  a.  in.  and  to  have  the  men  up  and  two 
days'  rations  in  haversacks  prepared,  all  ready  to  march 
at  six.  So  immediately  after  the  bugle  sounded  the 
camps  were  astir,  knapsacks  and  haversacks  packed, 
and  all  provided  with  plenty  of  cartridges,  as  it  was 
not  desirable  to  start  without  plenty  of  these  in  case 
of  need.  By  six  the  camp  became  quiet,  an  indication 
that  all  was  ready.  Then  followed  a  period  of  sus 
pense,  and  when  this  had  produced  impatience,  Joe, 
our  bugler,  was  called  for  to  blow  his  horn,  but  seven 
and  eight  o'clock  arrived  and  no  assembly  sounded. 
At  nine  an  orderly  rode  up  with  an  order  countermand 
ing  the  inarch.  In  five  minutes  one  would  not  have 
supposed  that  the  camp  had  been  disturbed.  During 
the  day  an  order  was  received  directing  that  all  bag 
gage  and  surplus  tents  be  sent  to  the  rear  and  to  take 
.nothing  but  what  we  could  carry  on  our  persons. 


200  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Rumors  to-day  that  the  Fifteenth  and  Twentieth  Corps; 
have  begun  the  advance." 

On  the  3d  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched 
with  the  Brigade  to  Ringgold  and  camped  at  the  foot 
of  Taylor's  Ridge.  On  the  5th  it  went  to  Parker's  Gap, 
returning  to  Ringgold  on  the  (>th.  Sherman  Lelaud 
says:  "This  evening  was  one  long  to  be  remembered, 
orders  being  received  that  the  entire  army  would  ad 
vance  to-morrow  against  the  enemy.  Soon  after  dark 
bonfires  were  lighted,  all  tents  were  illuminated,  and 
cheers  rang  from  one  end  of  the  army  to  the  other. 
Miles  away  down  the  valley  the  cheering  commenced, 
and  rolling  along  like  the  reverberations  of  thunder, 
went  from  one  end  of  the  valley  to  the  other,  then 
turned  and,  seemingly  louder  than  before,  passed  back. 
Mixed  with  the  noise  was  the  firing  of  wet  powder  into 
the  air  from  the  muskets,  producing  miniature  fire 
works.  The  celebration  was  kept  up  for  two  hours, 
when  the  tumult  subsided  and  naught  save  a  fire  here 
and  there  indicated  that  an  army  of  100,000  men  re 
posed  in  that  valley." 

On  the  morning  of  May  7th  Sherman's  armies  were 
in  motion  against  the  enemy.  The  Fourteenth  Army 
Corps,  with  the  Twentieth  (Hooker's)  on  the  right,  and 
the  Fourth  (Howard's)  on  the  left,  advanced  to  Tunnel 
Hill  and  drove  out  the  small  force  of  rebels  there,  who 
fell  back  to  the  strong  position  of  Rocky  Face,  which 
with  its  gorge  called  Buzzard's  Roost,  also  "Mill  Creek 
Gap,"  was  strongly  fortified  by  nature  and  art.  In  this 
movement  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  then  number 
ing,  as  per  Coloned  Hapeman's  report,  279  enlisted  men 
and  17  officers,  participated,  and  occupied  that  night 
the  camp  of  the  Tenth  Confederate  Cavalry  of  Wheeler's 
command.  The  still  smoldering  fires  and  forage  scat 
tered  around  showed  that  the  enemy  had  left  in  a  hurry. 
The  position  of  Buzzard's  Roost  being  almost  impreg 
nable  to  attack  in  front,  Sherman  proposed  to  turn 
it  by  sending  McPherson  with  the  Army  of  the  Ten 
nessee  through  Snake  Creek  Gap  on  the  right  and 
striking  the  rebel  rear  endanger  his  position  at  Dal- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  201 

ton.  Therefore  to  carry  out  this  plan,  McPherson 
began  the  movement,  while  to  cover  the  real  design,, 
the  Fourteenth  Corps  was  to  demonstrate  heavily  in 
front  of  Buzzard's  Roost  as  if  intending  to  carry  it.  On 
the  8th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  marching  witk 
Carlin's  Brigade,  took  position  on  some  hills  half  a  mile 
southwest  of  Buzzard's  Roost,  and  after  moving  once  or 
twice,  camped  for  the  night.  The  9th  was  ushered  in 
by  advances  in  force  of  several  divisions  of  the  Fourth 
Corps,  and  the  enemy  pressed  back  into  their  lines. 
General  Geary  made  an  attempt  to  scale  Chattooga 
Mountain,  but  met  with  resistance  and  it  was  aban 
doned.  His  loss  was  considerable.  The  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  and  Eighty-eighth  Indiana,  which, 
with  the  Brigade,  was  ordered  across  Mill  Creek,  took 
position  on  a  spur  overlooking  the  enemy's  works  in 
the  Gap  and  was  engaged  in  liA^ely  skirmishing  most 
of  the  day,  but  the  Regiment  lost  no  men.  The  rest  of 
the  Brigade,  also  engaged,  met  Avith  a  slight  loss. 
McPherson's  army  entered  and  passed  through  Snake 
Creek  Gap  on  the  9th,  and  greatly  surprised  Johnston, 
but  finding  Resaca  fortified  and  manned,  and  afraid  of 
being  attacked  from  Dalton,  McPherson  withdrew  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Gap  and  threw  up  works.  General 
Sherman  claims  that  here  the  Commander  of  the  A^my 
of  the  Tennessee  made  a  mistake  in  not  seizing  Resaca, 
which,  when  he  arrived  near  it,  was  occupied  by  only 
one  brigade  of  the  enemy.  Or  he  could  have  placed 
his  army  across  the  railroad  and  Johnston's  line  of 
communications  and  have  forced  him  to  retreat  in 
disorder  over  roads  almost  impassable,  and  with 
Thomas  and  Schofield  close  behind,  he  would  have  lost 
half  his  army,  artillery  and  wagons.  By  night  of  the 
9th  it  was  too  late,  as  Hood,  with  three  divisions,  occu 
pied  Resaca.  General  Sherman,  on  learning  the  result, 
resolved  to  throw  his  whole  army  through  Snake  Creek 
Gap. 

During  the  10th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  occu 
pied  the  same  position  as  on  the  previous  day,  and  was 
skirmishing  more  or  less  heavily  all  the  time.  On  the 


202  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

llth  it  was  relieved  after  having  been  under  fire  for 
forty  hours  continuously,  and  recrossing  Mill  Creek, 
camped  for  the  night  on  some  hills. 

Orders  having  been  issued  by  General  Sherman  for 
Howard's  Corps  (the  Fourth)  and  Stoneman's  Cavalry 
to  remain  before  Buzzard's  Roost,  the  rest  of  the  army 
was  directed  to  march  through  Snake  Creek  Gap,  which 
it  did  on  the  12th  and  13th,  and  concentrated  around 
Resaca,  McPherson  on  the  right,  Thomas  in  the  cen 
ter,  and  Schofield  on  the  left.  General  Johnston  was 
found  to  have  withdrawn  his  army  within  the  very 
extensive  and  strong  works,  his  policy  evidently  being 
to  act  on  the  defensive  entirely,  thus  leaving  General 
Sherman  the  alternative  of  attacking  his  almost  im 
pregnable  positions  and  sacrificing  thousands  of  val 
uable  lives,  or  of  continuing  his  grand  .strategic  flank 
movements  which  would  of  necessity  compel  Johnston 
to  retreat  or  have  his  communications  cut  off,  when 
disaster  would  be  sure  to  follow  whether  his  army 
fought  within  the  intrenchments  or  outside.  General 
Sherman  also  had  an  idea  that  he  would  yet  be  able 
to  take  Johnston  unawares,  as  McPherson  did  him  at 
Snake  Creek  Gap,  and  achieve  a  victory  without  too 
much  sacrifice  of  lives. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  leaving  camp  on  the 
12th  at  six  a.  m.,  reached  the  Gap  at  dark  and  march 
ing  through  camped  in  Sugar  Valley,  one  mile  east  of 
the  debouche.  On  the  13th  the  Regiment  took  an 
active  part  in  the  day's  operations  and  not  without 
loss.  Colonel  Hapeman  says  in  his  report:  "The  line 
of  the  Brigade  was  formed  about  noon,  the  Regiment 
in  the  first  line,  with  the  Eighty-eighth  Indiana  on  the 
right  and  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  on  the  left.  Com 
panies  A  and  K  were  deployed  as  skirmishers,  Major 
Widmer  in  charge.  They  advanced  a  considerable  dis 
tance,  driving  the  enemy's  skirmishers  until  they 
reached  Camp  Creek,  where  the  enemy  was  discovered 
in  force.  In  advancing  across  an  open  field  in  front 
of  the  enemy's  works  the  companies  lost  one  man  mor 
tally  wounded,  and  four  wounded.  The  Regiment  was 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

relieved  in  the  evening  by  a  portion  of  the  Twentieth 
Corps  and  moved  further  "to  the  left"  During  the  day 
Howard  advanced  through  Dalton  and  nearly  to 
Resaca,  skirmishing  all  the  way.  McPherson,  with  Kil- 
patrick's  cavalry  in  advance  and  Hooker  on  his  left, 
advanced  on  the  roads  to  Resaca.  Palmer  moving  on 
the  left  was  engaged  all  day  in  skirmishing.  Scho- 
field's  two  divisions  were  to  the  left  of  Palmer,  and 
Howard  one  mile  from  Schofield's  left. 

General  Johnston  had  formed  his  army  with  Polk 
on  the  left,  ITardee  in  the  center,  and  Hood  on  the 
right.  His  heaviest  works  were  in  front  of  Camp 
Creek,  where  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had  been 
engaged.  General  Sherman  had  already  prepared  to 
get  into  the  enemy's  rear  by  having  two  pontoon 
bridges  throwrn  across  the  Oostenaula  River  three  miles 
below  Resaca,  and  had  sent  General  Garrard's  Cavalry 
Division  to  operate  on  the  railroad,  seven  miles  from 
the  town  at  Callioun. 

On  the  14th  McPherson,  crossing  Camp  Creek  near 
the  mouth,  encountered  Polk  and  drove  him  from  the 
hills  to  his  trenches.  The  whole  line  then,  from  Hook 
er's  left,  was  slowly  swung  round  on  General  John 
ston's  Division  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  as  a  pivot,  Car- 
lin's  Brigade  being  the  first  to  encounter  the  foe.  The 
rest  of  the  army  to  the  left  then  came  successively  into 
action.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  wras  formed  with 
the  Brigade  in  line  of  battle,  with  two  companies  out 
as  skirmishers  with  orders  to  press  the  enemy  hard. 
The  advance  was  through  thick  woods  and  across  an 
occasional  opening.  The  enemy's  works  were  on  a  hill 
back  of  an  open  field  and  as  the  Regiment  came  up 
and  the  skirmishers  moved  forward,  a  terrific  fire  wras 
opened  upon  it  from  every  tree  and  log,  and  from  their 
works  below  the  hill.  The  skirmishing  companies 
advanced  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  their 
line,  when  firing  was  directed  upon  them  from  another 
line  of  trenches.  They  then  sought  such  shelter  as 
could  be  had  and  fought  the  enemy  for  two  hours  and 
until  they  kept  very  closely  in  the  trenches,  to  which 


204  THE  ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

all  had  been  driven.  Sergeant  Arnold,  of  Company  A.r 
collecting-  his  group  behind  a  log,  did  good  work,  but 
they  were  much  annoyed  by  a  sharpshooter  in  a  tree, 
until  discovering  where  he  was,  the  group  fired  by 
volley  and  brought  him  down  rather  faster  than  a 
regard  for  his  health  would  warrant.  The  Brigade 
being  unsupported  made  no  charge  upon  the  works 
and  finally  fell  back  to  the  shelter  of  the  Creek.  The 
Regiment  lost  one  man  killed  and  nine  wounded.  The 
casualties  on  the  13th  and  14th  were  as  follows: 
Killed — John  Fenn,  Company  D.  Mortally  wounded— 
Sergeant  Allen  Benedict,  Company  A;  Jacob  Deffen- 
baugh,  Company  G.  Wounded — Win.  Barrett,  B.  W. 
Bagley  and  C.  Christfeller,  all  of  Company  A ;  Corporal 

F.  E.  Phelps  and  Oliver  E.  Griest,  of  Company  B;  First 
Sergeant  David  Bunker,  Company  C;  First  Sergeant 
Geo.  Marsh,  Company  D;  Corporal  Daniel  Mason,  Com 
pany  G;  E.  F.  Mallory,  Company  I;  First  Sergeant  C. 

G.  ButterAveck,  Company  K;  Henry  Merkel,  Company 
K;  Augustus  Rusner,  Company  K;  Henry  Cox,  Com 
pany  K.    The  heavy  fighting  of  the  day  was  farther  to 
the  left  and  was  engaged  in  by  Baird's  and  Davis' 
Divisions  with  various  successes,  aided  by  the  Corps 
of  Howard  and  Schofield,  who  drove  the  enemy  from 
their  rifle  pits  and  into  their    works.      An    advanced 
line  was  gained  from  which  our  artillery  reached  the 
rebel  main  lines.     The  musketry  and  artillery  firing 
was  terriflftc  all  day.    Finally  General  Johnston  seeing 
that  the  lines  were  drawing  closer  around  him  resolved 
to  take  the  offensive  and  try  to  turn  Sherman's  left 
flank.    For  this  purpose  he  sent  Stewart's  and  Steven 
son's  Divisions  and  twTo  Brigades  of  Walker.     These 
troops  were  succeeding  when  they  were  met  and  hurled 
back  in  defeat  by  Williams'  Division  of  the  Twentieth 
Corps,  aided  by  Simonson's  Battery.    By  evening  other 
troops  arrived  on  the  left,  supported  also  by  McCook's 
Cavalry.     General  Johnston  ordered  another  assault 
to  be  made  in  the  morning,  but  withdrew  the  order 
afterward. 

On  the  15th  the  advantages  gained  the  day  before 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  205 

were  followed  by  bold  aggressive  movements  on  the 
left,  but  these  were  not  in  full  headway  until  noon, 
when  Geary  and  Butterfield,  Williams  in  reserve, 
advanced.  The  enemy  were  again  threatening  that 
flank  and  Williams'  Division  was  deflected  to  the  left. 
Geary  and  Butterfield  carried  the  nearest  hills  and 
drove  the  rebels  from  a  battery,  but  could  neither 
remove  it  nor  hold  the  ground,  however,  retiring  a  lit 
tle,  they  kept  the  enemy  from  recapturing  it,  and  hauled 
it  off  at  night.  Further  to  the  right  the  entire  line 
was  engaged,  particularly  Howard.  In  front  of  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland,  heavy  firing  and  skirmish 
ing  occurred  all  day.  About  five  p.  in.  Stevenson's 
and  Stewart's  Divisions  made  a  fierce  attack  for  posi 
tion,  but  were  repulsed  with  heavy  loss,  some  regiments 
being  nearly  annihilated.  The  heavy  artillery  firing 
was  a  marked  feature  of  the  battles  at  Resaca.  During 
the  night  Johnston  withdrew  his  army  across  the 
Oostenaula,  and  on  the  16th  Sherman's  entered  Resaca, 
and  prepared  to  pursue  the  enemy.  But  pontoon 
bridges  had  to  be  laid  and  this  caused  some  delay. 
The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  crossed  at  Lay's  Ferry  and 
Howard's  Corps  at  Resaca.  The  Army  of  the  Cum 
berland  followed. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  here  received  the 
knapsacks  left  at  Snake  Creek  Gap  and  which  had 
been  left  behind  when  the  Regiment  advanced.  Cross 
ing  on  the  17th  with  the  rest  of  the  army,  the  Regi 
ment  marched  on  over  very  muddy  roads,  during-  the 
day  passing  through  Calhoun.  The  combined  armies 
advanced  in  the  following  order:  Palmer  following 
Howard;  Hooker  on  the  left;  the  Army  of  the  Ohio  to 
liis  left;  McPherson  on  the  right,  supported  by  Gar- 
rard's  Cavalry;  Stoneman's  Cavalry  on  the  extreme 
left.  General  Howard  met  with  opposition  early  and 
fought  all  day,  the  rebels  retiring  from  one  position 
to  another  and  watching  for  an  opportunity  to  gain 
an  advantage,  but  at  night  Johnston  concluded  to 
retreat  further.  It  had  been  Genral  Shrman's  object 
to  bring  Johnston  to  battle  north  of  the  Etowah  River 


206  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

or  make  him  give  up  Rome  or  Allatoona,  therefore 
Davis'  Division  was  started  for  the  former  place. 

On  the  18th  the  movement  was  continued  by  all  the 
armies,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marching  toward 
Adairsville,  bivouacking  at  night  two  miles  from  that 
place  and  three  miles  from  Kingston.  On  the  19th  the 
Regiment  reached  Kingston  about  noon.  This  place 
was  found  to  be  entirely  deserted  by  the  male  popula 
tion.  The  streets  were  full  of  all  kinds  of  goods  which 
the  people  had  attempted  to  remove.  While  eating 
dinner  on  the  banks  of  a  fine  creek  firing  began  in  the 
front,  indicating  that  the  enemy  was  near.  The  Regi 
ment  soon  after  marched  to  a  bridge  on  the  Etowah, 
four  miles  southwest  of  the  town.  The  firing  was  upon 
Stanley's  Division,  which  led  the  advance  in  the  cen 
ter,  but  pressing  forward  the  battery  retreated,  and 
Stanley,  going  four  miles  further  met  the  enemy  ad 
vancing  in  strong  force  in  line  of  battle.  Howard's 
Corps  was  deployed  and  the  enemy  halted,  but  under 
a  vigorous  artillery  fire  their  first  line  fell  back  and 
Howard  occupied  the  position  and  kept  up  skirmishing 
until  dark.  Hooker  came  up  in  the  meantime.  During 
the  day  the  latter  had  been  engaged  on  the  road  to  Cass- 
ville,  where  appearances  indicated  that  Johnston 
would  give  the  battle.  In  anticipation  of  this  General 
Sherman  concentrated  his  armies.  But  Johnston  dur 
ing  the  night  crossed  the  Etowah  with  all  of  his  mate 
rial  and  retreated  to  the  strong  defenses  of  Allatoona 
Pass.  He  had  been  reinforced  by  French's  Division 
and  was  advised  by  Hardee  to  fight,  but  chose  the 
wiser  course,  as  Sherman  could  have  beaten  him  at 
Cassville.  General  Davis  during  these  operations  cap 
tured  Rome  with  a  loss  of  150  men,  and  with  it  the 
rebel  machine  shops  and  iron  works,  also  vast  amounts 
of  cotton,  etc.,  of  great  value  to  the  rebels. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  on  the  20th 
to  a  point  on  the  railroad  four  miles  from  Kingston,, 
where  it  remained  until  the  23d,  to  enjoy  a  much 
needed  rest  and  to  prepare  for  the  next  movementr 
which  was  likely  to  be  long  and  arduous  with  plenty- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  207 

of  fighting.  During  the  halt  all  surplus  baggage  was 
sent  to  Chattanooga  in  charge  of  Sherman  Leland. 
The  regimental  wagon  was  taken  away  and  the  Col 
onel  and  Adjutant  carried  necessary  papers  in  their 
hats  or  pockets.  The  same  stripping  process  was 
enforced  throughout  the  army,  the  value  of  which 
appeared  later  on.  The  whole  army  was  now  halted 
on  the  line  of  the  Etowah  waiting  for  the  repairs  on 
the  railroad  to  be  completed.  This  was  accomplished 
by  the  24th,  and  cars  loaded  with  supplies  reached 
Kingston.  Many  reports  were  brought  in  by  negroes 
that  Johnston's  army  was  greatly  demoralized  by  con 
stant  retreating  and  the  failure  to  turn  our  flank  at 
Keseca.  From  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  the 
southern  papers  and  people  had  predicted  great  things 
of  General  Johnston,  and  as  he  withdrew  from  one 
position  to  another,  said  that  he  wTa»  only  drawing 
Sherman  on  and  when  the  time  came  would  destroy 
or  capture  the  whole  "Yankee  Army."  In  these  hopes 
they  had  the  sympathy  of  their  northern  friends,  the 
Copperheads.  That  had  been  the  talk,  but,  of  course, 
their  intelligent  leaders  knew  better,  and  Johnston 
knew  Sherman  too  well  to  delude  himself.  He  could 
simply  avert  the  evil  day  that  was  to  close  down  in 
darkness  over  the  Confederacy.  Therefore  he  pursued 
the  only  wrise  course  by  which  he  could  save  his  army 
and  by  it  served  the  rebel  cause  best. 

On  the  20th  General  Sherman  issued  orders  for  his 
combined  armies  to  move  on  the  23d.  He  did  not  pro 
pose  to  attack  Johnston  at  the  strong  Allatoona  Pass, 
but  turn  it  by  moving  on  Marietta  via  Dallas.  This 
would  oblige  the  enemy  to  come  out  and  fight  or  again 
retreat.  The  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was,  as  usual, 
the  central  column  and  marched  for  Dallas  via  the 
Euharlee  Valley  and  Stilesboro.  Davis  marched  from 
Rome.  The  Army  of  the  Ohio  was  on  the  left  of  Thomas 
and  directed  toward  Burnt  Hickory.  McPherson  kept 
on  the  right.  All  were  to  concentrate  at  Dallas.  The 
country  to  be  passed  over  wras  wild,  away  from  the 
railroad,  and  therefore  rations  for  twenty  days  were 


208  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

taken  along  in  the  wagons.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  left  camp  at  eight  a.  m.  on  the  23d,  and  going 
four  miles  down  the  river  crossed  by  wading,  then 
marched  about  five  miles  and  camped  near  Euharlee 
Creek.  McCook's  Divisions  of  cavalry,  which  preceded 
Thomas,  found  the  enemy  in  force  and  kept  up  skir 
mishing  until  night.  The  march  was  resumed  on  the 
24th  toward  Burnt  Hickory  and  skirmishing  contin 
ued.  Garrard's  Cavalry  on  the  extreme  right  was 
attacked  during  the  day  by  Bates'  Division  of  infantry, 
of  Hardee's  Corps.  But  at  night  Burnt  Hickory  was 
occupied  by  the  Fourth  and  Twentieth  Corps.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  advancing  three  miles  crossed 
Raccoon  Creek  and  camped. 

The  armies  were  now  well  on  the  way  to  Dallas  and 
the  motive  of  Sherman's  advance  became  apparent  to 
Johnston,  who^ilso  saw  in  it  a  menace  to  Marietta  and 
Atlanta.  He  therefore  hastened  to  make  what  resist 
ance  he  could.  On  the  25th  the  advance  was  contin 
ued  with  Hooker's  Corps  ahead  in  the  center,  but  his 
three  divisions  were  on  separate  roads,  and  as  he 
approached  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek,  he  found  the  bridge 
across  the  stream  defended  by  the  enemy's  cavalry. 
Geary's  Division  drove  it  away  and  pursued  beyond 
four  miles  near  to  a  place  called  "New  Hope,"  from  a 
church  of  that  name.  Desiring  to  secure  the  roads 
here,  which  were  important,  Sherman  directed  Hooker 
to  make  the  attempt.  This  brought  on  ax  brisk  engage 
ment  between  Geary's  Division  and  a  heavy  force  of 
the  enemy  which  had  come  from  Allatoona.  Hooker's 
Divisions  of  Ward  and  Butterfield  arrived  on  the  scene 
and  the  contest  was  prolonged  into  the  night,  without 
any  decisive  result.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth, 
with  Carlin's  Brigade,  remained  in  camp  during  the 
25th,  and  until  one  a.  m.  of  the  next  morning.  On  the 
26th  the  Regiment  marching  out  on  the  Burnt  Hickory 
Road  crossed  the  Pumpkin  Vine  and  took  position  on 
the  east  side  about  three  miles  from  Dallas.  The  dawn 
of  day  revealed  to  Sherman  the  fact  that  Johnston 
with  his  army  stood  across  his  line  of  march  protected 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

by  heavy  intrenchments.     He  was  therefore  reduced 
to  <the  choice  of  assaulting  in  front  or  of  maneuvering 
so  as  to  outflank  Johnston  and  either  compel  him  to 
retreat  or  fight  on  ground  more  advantageous  to  his 
own  army.    The  conditions  were  very  similar  to  those 
that  had  existed  at  Dalton  and  Resaca,  and  it  seemed 
probable  that  Johnston  would  pursue  his  usual  policy 
of  what  his  friends  called  grand  strategy  until  he  got 
Sherman  where  he  wanted  him.     General  Sherman 
had  a  humane  and  great  aversion  to  having  his  sol 
diers  butchered  in  assaults  which  might  fail  when  the 
result  aimed  at  could  be  accomplished  with  less  sac 
rifice  of  human  life.     However,  ready  to  seize   either 
horn  of  the  dilemma,  he  proceeded  at  once,  on  survey 
ing  and  grasping  the  situation,  to  make  dispositions 
of  his  forces  calculated  to  bring  matters  to  a  speedy 
conclusion.    To  this  end  McPherson  closed  in  on  Dallas. 
Hooker  held  his  position  intrenched -and  was  supported 
on  the  left  by  the  Fourth  Corps.     Schofield  closed  in 
on  Thomas.     Davis'  Division  was  within  three  miles. 
Baird's  and  Johnston's  had  been  delayed,  but  were 
approaching  rapidly.     The  last  few  days  of  May  were 
spent   in   concentrating  before  Johnston's  lines  and 
heavy    skirmishing    was  maintained    day  and    night 
everywhere  with  an  occasional  vigorous  attack,  when 
heavy  losses  usually  occurred  to  the  attacking  party. 
General  Sherman  kept  extending  his  lines  further  to 
the  left  so  as  to  reach  and  attack  the  right  flank  of 
the  enemy.     This  policy  led  him  nearer  the  railroad 
and  his  present  objective,  Ackworth,  about  eight  miles 
distant.    McPherson  was  ordered  to  leave  Dallas,  and 
close  in  on  Hooker,  but  before  he  could  do  so  was 
heavily  attacked  on  the  28th,  however,  repulsing  the 
enemy  and  inflicting  great  loss.    It  was  June  1st  before 
he  effected  a  junction  with  Hooker.     On  the  27th  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  moved  in  conformity 
with  the  Brigade  and  the  general  advance,  to  a  point 
on  Pumpkin  Vine  near  Pickett's  Mills  and  took  posi 
tion  on  a  ridge.    On  the  28th  the  Regiment  was  formed 
early  on  the  side  of  a  wooded  hill  one-fourth  of  a  mile 


210  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  advance  of  the  camp  and  was  engaged  all  day,  the 
enemy  at  one  time  advancing  with  infantry  and  cav 
alry,  but  they  were  promptly  driven  back  with  loss. 
The  Regiment  then  threw  up  works,  but  was  exposed 
all  day  to  a  severe  fire  from  the  top  of  the  hill.  The 
firing  was  kept  up  all  night  here  and  all  along  the  line. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  met  with  no  casualties. 
Johnston's  Division  held  the  extreme  left  at  the  time. 
The  29th  was  spent  in  skirmishing  and  securing  posi 
tions  nearer  the  enemy,  while  Sherman  laid  firm  hold 
on  all  roads  in  the  direction  of  Ackworth  and  sent 
Stoneman  and  Garrard  with  the  cavalry  to  seize  Alla- 
toona.  Thus  gradually  he  was  overlapping  and  extend 
ing  his  lines  beyond  Johnston's  right  and  became  indif 
ferent  as  to  Johnston's  position  at  New  Hope  Church, 
for  the  strong  Allatoona  was  sure  to  be  his.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  was  ordered  on  the  30th  to 
advance  its  skirmishers  to  the  top  of  the  hill.  This 
was  done  and  the  hill  taken,  but  the  lines  on  the  left 
falling  back  compelled  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
men  to  retire  also.  One  casualty  occurred,  James  C. 
Schoonover,  of  Company  E,  being  mortally  wounded. 
About  six  p.  m.  a  part  of  Hood's  Corps  attacked  in 
front  of  the  whole  Brigade,  but  were  met  with  a  spir 
ited  fire  and  fell  back  with  a  heavy  loss,  leaving  the 
dead  and  wounded  in  our  front. 

June  1st  and  2d  McPherson  arrived,  and  the  Twen 
tieth  Corps  moved  to  the  left  of  Johnston's  Division, 
which  had  held  the  extreme  left.  Other  divisions  also 
moved  in  that  direction,  and  Hooker,  Schofield  and 
Baird,  advancing,  drove  the  enemy's  lines  further  away. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  formed  a  part  of  a  skir 
mish  line  which  advanced  at  two  p.  m.  to  take  the 
ridge  or  hill  from  which  the  rebels  had  been  keeping 
up  a  constant  fire  on  our  lines.  The  charge  was  gal 
lantly  made  and  the  hill  captured;  the  Regiment  then 
drove  the  enemy  across  a  field.  In  the  charge  Jacob 
P.  Hurd,  of  Company  H,  was  mortally  wounded; 
Darius  L.  Trask,  of  Company  I,  wounded.  The  foe 
being  protected  by  works  on  the  hill,  it  was  a  matter 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  211 

:-  ••'  '• ' 

of  surprise  that  the  casualties  were  not  greater.  At 
six  p.  m.  the  Regiment  was  relieved  by  oiie  from  Baird's 
Division  and  took  position  on  Brown's  Mill  Creek.  On 
June  3d  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  with  the  Eighty- 
eighth  Indiana  were  sent  to  the  left  of  Baird  and  formed 
on  the  front  line  and  remained  there  engaged  in  skir 
mishing  until  June  4th,  when  they  rejoined  the  Brigade. 

From  May  23d  the  movements  and  fighting  of  the 
Regiment  had  been  within  the  line  of  operations  com 
prehended  by  the  territory  adjacent  to  Dallas,  Pump 
kin  Vine  Creek  and  New  Hope  Church,  and  was  nearly 
continuous  for  two  weeks,  the  men  lying  on  their  arms 
night  and  day,  being  frequently  aroused  to  repel  or 
make  a  charge.  They  suffered  greatly  from  cold,  wet 
and  hunger,  but  endured  all  without  murmuring  and 
were  in  the  best  of  spirits. 

On  the  night  of  June  4th  Johnston  evacuated  his 
position  and  retired  toward  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Gen 
eral  Sherman's  armies  immediately  advanced  to  Ack- 
worth,  thence  to  Big  Shanty  on  June  10th.  From  the 
latter  place  a  good  view  was  had  of  the  rebel  forces  on 
their  mountain  fortress,  McPherson's  army  was  shifted 
to  the  left;  Thomas  on  the  right  and  Schofield  to  his 
right.  The  railroad  was  repaired  to  the  skirmish  lines 
in  front  of  Kenesaw  and  supplies  brought  to  Big 
Shanty.  Allatoona  was  fortified  strongly  and  made  a 
base  of  supplies.  On  the  8th  General  Blair  arrived 
at  Ackworth  with  the  two  divisions  of  the  Seventeenth 
Corps,  about  nine  thousand  men. 

Thus  had  closed  practically  in  May  the  first  part 
of  the  campaign.  The  army  had  marched  and  fought 
over  a  rough  mountain  country  for  nearly  one  hun 
dred  miles,  with  an  aggregate  loss  in  the  three  com 
mands  and  the  cavalry  of  9,299  men  in  killed,  wounded 
and  missing.  Blair's  Corps  replaced  this  loss.  John 
ston's  loss,  as  given  by  him,  was  in  killed  and  wounded, 
5,392  men.  He  did  not  give  the  number  of  the  missing. 
Prior  to  reaching  Cassville,  Johnston  had  been  rein 
forced  by  21,000  men,  which  made  his  total  since  leav 
ing  Dalton  about  66,000  men.  Therefore,  in  round  num- 


212  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

bers,  lie  had  at  New  Hope  Church  60,000,  which  was 
not  decreased  when  he  fell  back  on  Kenesaw.  If  the 
southern  people  who  wratched  the  campaign  with  eager 
ness  were  satisfied  with  the  strategy  of  Johnston,  that 
gave<  us  one  strong  position  after  another,  which  had 
been  deemed  impregnable,  and  the  loss  of  one  hundred 
miles  of  territory  in  the  Empire  State  of  the  South,, 
together  with  the  prestige  of  victory,  General  Sher 
man,  his  army  and  the  North  had  no  right  to  complain. 
The  brave  and  lamented  Sergeant  Henry  E.  Price, 
of  Company  D  (afterward  killed  at  Peach  Tree  Creek),, 
writing  from  Big  Shanty  on  June  13th,  says  in  regard 
to  this  campaign:  "I  would  have  written  sooner,  but 
had  no  paper  or  envelopes  (nor  tobacco).  I  can  give 
you  no  intelligent  account  of  our  movements,  for  we 
ha^e  marched  in  every  imaginable  direction,  and 
toward  every  point  of  the  compass.  We  have  been 
most  fortunate  as  a  Regiment  since  we  left  Resaca,  as 
indeed  we  w^ere  in  the  battle,  for,  though  we  have 
been  under  fire  a  great  dal,  our  losses  were  compara 
tively  small.  We  wrere  on  the  first  and  skirmish  lines 
in  the  Allatoona  Hills  for  many  consecutive  days  and 
nights.  The  Third  Brigade  suffered  heavily  there,  and 
we  were  well  shelled.  The  rebels  had  very  strong  works 
around  New  Hope,  built  by  the  Georgia  Militia  and 
negroes,  but  Sherman  worked  around  till  they  had  to 
light  out  just  as  they  did  at  Resaca.  A  woman  in  one 
of  the  houses  after  the  ' Johnnie'  left,  said :  <It  was 
too  bad,  after  their  men  had  worked  so  hard  at  the 
breastworks.  Hooker  and  another  regiment  got  to 
shooting  right  in  the  end  of  them  and  they  had  to 
leave.'  While  in  those  hills,  there  were  a  great  many 
sayings  attributed  to  the  rebels,  and  more  than  I  will 
vouch  for.  One  was  that  a  prisoner  taken  by  our  men 
had  acquired  a  very  considerable  respect  for  the  way 
our  generals  were  crowding  things,  and  his  way  of 
manifesting  it  was  by  saying  that  Grant  and  Sherman 
ought  to  get  on  a  high  hill  and  give  the  command: 
'Attention,  creation,  by  kingdoms  right  wheel!'  It 
so  happened  that  our  whole  army  was  doing  that  very 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  213 

thing  at  the  time,  making  a  right  wheel  on  a  fixed 
pivot,  and  the  story  took  well.  The  regular  Brigade 
lies  in  our  front  and  a  steady  skirmish  fire  is  going 
on.  We  have  something  more  than  twelve  pounders 
with  us,  for  guns  of  larger  calibre  are  pounding  away 
at  the  enemy  on  our  left.  We  have  nothing  at  all  with 
us  in  the  shape  of  baggage  and  officers  carry  theirs 
the  same  as  the  men.  The  cars  now  run  into  Big 
Shanty." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


The  Battles  Around  Kenesaw  Mountain— Johnston's  Withdrawal 
Beyond  the  Chattahoochee— Battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek— Bat 
tle  of  Atlanta. 


On  June  10th  Sherman's  armies  again  moved  for 
ward,  Schofield  on  the  right,  Thomas  in  the  center,  and 
McPherson  on  the  left.  Johnston's  position  covered  a 
front  of  some  twelve  miles,  from  Lost  Mountain  on  his 
left  to  Kenesaw  on  his  right.  Between  those  was  Pine 
Mountain.  The  ground  in  his  front  was  rough,  tim 
bered,  and  covered  with  all  manner  of  obstructions 
He  held  a  line  of  great  natural  strength,  and  he  had 
added  to  this  by  extensive  lines  of  works,  a  matter  he 
never  neglected.  It  had  rained  most  of  the  time  since 
June  1st,  and  what  roads  there  were  could  not  be 
used.  But  the  army  constructed  its  own  roads 
and  toiled  slowly  along  up  to  the  base  of  Kenesaw. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  on  the  10th 
to  a  point  beyond  Big  Shanty  and  camped  in  the  mud.. 
The  llth  and  12th  were  so  rainy  that  very  little  could' 
be  done.  The  Regiment  was  moved  once  or  twice  a 
half  mile  to  the  left  and  nearer  the  enemy.  On  the 
14th  the  rain  having  slackened -up  the  lines  were 
advanced  a  mile  and  a  half  and  works  thrown  up  for 
ten  miles.  On  this  day  the  rebel  General  Polk  was 
killed  by  a  shot  from  one  of  our  batteries  which  was 
playing  on  Pine  Mountain.  One  of  our  signal  officers 
who  had  learned  the  rebel  signal  key,  ascertained  the 
fact.  General  Sherman  ordered  the  armies  to  advance 
on  the  15th,  which  being  done  it  was  discovered  that 
Johnston  had  shortened  his  lines  by  evacuating  Pine 
Mountain.  He  thereby  aided  Thomas  and  Schofield 
greatly  in  the  line  of  their  advance.  Our  left  was  well 
extended  around  Kenesaw.  Howard's  Corps  in  advanc- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  215 

ing  the  lines  had  a  brisk  fight  but  drove  the  enemy 
from  their  intrenched  skirmish  line  and  into  their 
works.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  not  long  before 
was  obliged  to  part  with  a  valuable  officer  in  the  per 
son  of  Captain  Leighton,  whose  wound,  received  at 
Chickamauga,  had  become  so  bad  as  to  compel  him 
to  leave  for  "the  hospital  at  Nashville.  On  the  16th 
the  Regiment  and  Brigade  were  ordered  to  relieve  the 
Second  Brigade,  having  done  which  it  advanced,  skir 
mishing  some  six  hundred  yards  and  threw  up  breast 
works.  On  the  17th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
advanced  half  a  mile,  driving  the  enemy's  skirmish 
ers  with  Companies  A,  E  and  F,  Major  Widmer  in 
charge.  No  casualties  occurred.  It  then  held  the  posi 
tion  gained.  The  operations  on  other  parts  of  the  line 
resulted  in  driving  the  rebels  across  Mud  Creek.  Dur 
ing  the  night  the  enemy  attempted  to  regain  the  posi 
tion,  but  was  repulsed.  On  the  18th  the  Regiment 
again  advanced  and  skirmishing  drove  the  rebels  into 
their  works.  In  this  charge  Corporal  James  Logan,  of 
Company  C,  was  killed.  Captain  O.  M.  Southwell  and 
Edwin  S.  Moore,  of  Company  H,  were  severely  wounded. 
During  the  day  Generals  Wood  and  Newton,  of  the 
Fourth  Corps,  surprised  the  enemy  and  secured  an 
important  part  of  his  main  line  and  intrenched.  In 
the  night  Johnston  withdrew  from  the  portion  still 
held,  thereby  preventing  an  intended  assault  by  our 
forces  on  the  19th.  At  seven  a.  in.  of  the  19th  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  was  moved  to  the  front  of  and 
base  of  Kenesaw,  against  which  the  Fourteenth  Corps 
now  pressed  closely.  Johnston  had  further  contracted 
his  lines.  Kenesaw  was  the  salient  of  his  army  with 
the  wiugs  drawn  back  so  as  to  cover  Marietta  and  the 
rear  toward  Atlanta.  The  line  was  of  immense 
strength  and  it  was  to  be  tested  whether  Johnston 
could  maintain  it  or  would  retreat  before  his  wily 
antagonist.  General  Sherman  meantime  kept  pushing 
his  lines  closer  to  those  of  the  enemy,  ready  to  assault 
and  fight  wrheri  anything  could  be  gained,  and  he  also 
did  not  neglect  his  favorite  game  of  playing  around 


I        216  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  flanks  and  trying  to  reach  the  communications  of 
his  enemy.  On  the  20th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
moved  to  the  right  and  relieved  some  troops  of  the 
Fourth  Corps.  During  the  21st  and  22d  the  Regiment 
was  close  up  to  the  rebel  works  and  subjected  to  a  ter 
rific  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry.  John  A.  Cook,  of 
Company  C,  was  mortally  wounded;  Sergeant  George 
Cummins,  of  Company  E,  and  William  P.  Newcornb,  of 
Company  D,  were  wounded.  The  firing  was  heavy  and 
continuous  all  of  the  22d  on  the  whole  line.  The  rebel 
left,  reinforced  by  Hood's  Corps,  which  had  come  from 
the  right,  assaulted  Hooker  fiercely,  but  after  several 
assaults  withdrew  with  heavy  loss.  Our  artillery,  as 
Johnston  admitted,  mowed  down  Hood's  columns  by 
hundreds.  General  Sherman  now  determined  to  attack 
the  rebel  center  and  named  the  27th  for  the  assault, 
which  was  to  be  made  by  troops  of  Thomas  and 
McPherson.  At  nine  a.  m.,  the  time  set,  amidst  the 
roar  of  cannon  and  musketry  along  the  line  of  ten 
miles,  the  divisions  of  Davis  and  Newton  leaping  over 
their  works,  moved  forward.  The  distance  to  the  rebel 
works  was  about  six  hundred  yards  and  the  ground 
to  be  traversed  rough,  stony  and  steep.  Under  a  ter 
rific  fire  Davisy  brigades  advanced  to  the  very  para 
pets,  but  being  unable  to  take  them  halted  under  the 
rebel  guns,  and  equally  unable  to  retreat,  staid  there 
and  threw  up  intrenchments  within  a  few  yards  of 
the  enemy.  Newton  met  with  less  success  owing  to  the 
obstructions.  McPherson  at  Little  Kenesaw  effected 
.a  lodgment  near  the  enemy's  works,  but  could  not  take 
them.  Our  losses  were  heavy,  Thomas  losing  about 
two  thousand  and  McPherson  five  hundred.  General 
•  Harker  was  mortally  wounded,  also  many  other  officers. 
However,  Schofield  had  improved  the  opportunity  pre 
sented  and  effected  the  crossing  of  Olley's  Creek,  when 
he  established  his  corps  in  a  position  that  imperiled 
Johnston's  rear.  General  Sherman,  tired  of  costly 
assaults,  prepared  more  flanking  movements. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  on  the  evening  of 
the  27th,  relieved  part  of  the  Second  Brigade  on  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  217 

front  line  and  was  about  three  hundred  yards  from 
the  rebel  works.       Plenty  of  dead  rebels  Jay  in  their 
front.    Sergeant  Sidney  V.  Arnold,  of  Company  A,  was 
wounded  in  the  foot.     The  Regiment  remained  here 
until   July  2d,  when    Sergeant    Henry    E.  Price    was 
wounded.    In  the  afternoon  it  moved  a  short  distance 
and  threw  up  works.    General  Carlin  receiving  a  leave 
of  absence,  Colonel  A.  G.  McCook  assumed  command 
-of  the  Brigade.    On  the  3d,  the  rebels  were  found  to  be 
gone  from  the  front  and  the  Regiment,  marching  at 
7:30    on    the    Marietta    road,    advanced    four    miles, 
beyond  Marietta  and  was  again  confronted  with  the 
.enemy  behind  strong  works.     It  was  now  about  ten 
miles     to     the    Chattahoochee     River.      On     the     2d 
McPherson  passed  his  army  and  cavalry  to  the  right 
to  flank  Johnston.     The  latter  very  promptly,  if  not 
courteously,  withdrew  from  all  his  huge  fortifications 
on  the  Kenesaw  line  on  the  3d,  going  to  the  river 
-July  4th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged 
in  heavy  skirmishing  all  day  in  front  of  the  enemy's 
works.     Meantime  Sherman  had  pursued  rapidly,  but 
found    Johnston's    front    everywhere    fortified      His 
object,  however,  was  to  hold  back  our  army  until  his 
own  was  sure  of  a  safe  passage  across  the  deep  Chat 
tahoochee.      Beyond    that    river    vast    fortifications 
crowned  every  hill  top  to  Atlanta,  ten  miles  distant. 
When  the  astute  rebel  general  perceived  the  scope  of 
McPherson's  movement  he  knew  that  our  army  could 
get  below  him  at  Marietta,  or  even  cross  the  river.    He 
had  to  fight  in  assault  the  strongly  intrenched  army 
under  Thomas,  or  run  to  save  Atlanta.     He  chose  the 
latter. 

On  the  5th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  and  Fif 
teenth  Kentucky  advanced  in  reconnoissance  toward 
the  rebel  works,  but  found  them  vacant;  the  enemy  was 
again  retreating  and  the  regiments  following,  Captain 
Proctor,  with  Company  I,  captured  eleven  prisoners. 
The  pursuit  here  was  continued  for  two  and  a  half  miles 
when  the  Regiment  suddenly  found  the  enemy  in 
trenched  about  two  miles  from  the  river.  Skirmish- 


218  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ing  then  began  and  lasted  heavily  until  evening,  when 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  being  relieved,  moved 
back  a  short  distance.  General  Johnston  having  fallen 
back  to  his  line  in  the  Valley  of  the  Chattahoochee, 
Sherman  pursuing  •  vigorously,  planted  General 
Thomas  in  front  with  his  army  of  the  Cumberland. 
Schofield  and  McPherson  moved  to  the  right  dowrn  the 
river  ten  miles,  Avhile  the  dashing  General  Stoneman 
went  still  further  below  to  Sandtown.  Garrard's  Cav 
alry  moving  up  the  river  eighteen  miles  captured  Ross- 
well  and  the  crossings  there.  It  was  supposed  that 
Johnston  would  exert  himself  to  the  utmost  to  prevent 
the  National  Army  from  crossing  the  Chattahoochee, 
and  it  would  seem  that  he  ought  to  have  done  so,  but 
it  appears  that  he  regarded  his  other  lines  a  little 
further  back  on  Peach  Tree  Creek,  and  the  immense 
fortifications  of  Atlanta  itself  as  impregnable  to  assault 
in  front,  while  investment  of  that  famed  city  he  thought 
impossible.  Probably  he  decided  that  Sherman 
would  also  be  unable  to  go  around  Atlanta  and 
sever  all  of  his  communications  with  the  rest  of  the 
Confederacy.  He  miscalculated  the  strength  of  Sher 
man's  armies  also.  But  it  was  determined  that  Atlanta,, 
a  place  of  the  most  vital  importance  to  the  very  exist 
ence  of  the  Confederacy,  must  be  saved  from  the  in 
vader,  hence  the  crossing  of  the  river  was  scarcely 
disputed. 

On  the  9th  Howard's  Corps  crossed  at  Pake's  Ferry 
and  found  it  defended  by  only  a  small  guard.  New 
ton's  Division. and  Dodge's  Corps  crossed  at  Kosswell. 
Thomas  demonstrated  in  front  meantime.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged  on  the  skirmish  line 
and  with  the  Brigade,  advanced  to  the  first  line  of  rebel 
rifle  pits,  which  they  captured.  In  this  advance  John 
G.  Debolt,  of  Company  E,  was  mortally  wounded.  Not 
being  supported  the  Regiment  had  to  fall  back.  Dur 
ing  the  night  Johnston  withdrew  his  army  across  the 
Chattahoochee,  burning  the  bridges.  Thus  closed 
another  era  in  the  history  of  the  campaign  begun  two 
months  before  and  it  ended  in  success,  with  a  promise 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  219' 

of  final  triumph  for  the  armies  of  the  Union  sometime 
in  the  future.  Sherman's  losses  in  killed,  wounded  and 
missing,  from  June  1st  to  July  3d,  aggregated  7,530 
men.  The  Army  of  the  Cumberland  lost  5,531.  The 
Army  of  the  Tennessee,  1,334.  The  Army  of  the  Ohio, 
665.  General  Johnston  made  his  losses  in  killed  and 
wounded  3,948  men.  His  missing,  prisoners  not  given, 
amounted  to  2,000.  The  June  campaign  had  been  car 
ried  on  under  greater  difficulties  than  the  one  in  May. 
It  had  rained  nearly  every  day,  rendering  movements 
slow  and  difficult,  'From  "the  10th  of  June  to  the  9th 
of  July  some  part  or  all  of  the  armies  had  been  under 
fire  constantly  by  day  and  frequently  all  night.  The 
month  had  been  one  of  severest  trial,  hardship  and 
danger,  yet  amidst  all  the  armies  of  the  Union  had 
pressed  forward  in  the  full  confidence  of  victory,  and 
when  at  last  they  beheld  in  the  distance  the  spires 
of  Atlanta,  there  was  a  greater  desire  than  ever  to 
press  forward  and  capture  the  prize,  and  destroy,  if 
possible,  the  last  and  only  great  rebel  army  south  of 
Richmond. 

General  Sherman,  having  forced  Johnston  back  to 
the  defenses  of  Atlanta,  began  at  once  to  prepare  for 
the  advance  on  that  city.  This  was  the  more  impor 
tant,  as  it  was  not  improbable  as  indicated  by  General 
Grant,  that  reinforcements  would  be  sent  from  Virginia 
and  from  other  points;  in  the  endeavor  to  hold  a  place 
of  so  great  value  to  the  Confederacy.  Therefore,  from 
the  10th  to  the  17th  of  July  new  bridges  were  prepared, 
McPherson's  army  was  transferred  up  the  river  to 
Kosswell,  and  Palmer's  and  Hooker's  Corps  were  ready 
to  cross  at  Paice's  Ferry.  Garrard's  Cavalry  was  sent 
to  the  left,  and  Stoneman's  and  McCook's  down  the 
river  to  the  right.  On  the  17th  of  July  the  movement 
was  begun.  McPherson,  crossing  at  Kosswell,  marched 
toward  Stone  Mountain,  Schofielcl  toward  Cross  Keys, 
and  Thomas  on  the  right  toward  Buckhead,  the  latter 
facing  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  camping  that  night  on 
Nancy's  Creek.  The  enemy's  skirmishers  retired  with 
little  opposition.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  occu- 


220  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

pied  a  position  about  one  mile  -beyond  the  river.  The 
movement  was  a  grand  right  wheel  with  the  Four 
teenth  Corps  as  a  pivot.  On  the  18th  General  Sherman 
learned  from  one  of  his  spies,  who  liad  come  from 
Atlanta,  that  General  Hood  was  then  commander  of 
the  rebel  army  in  place  of  Johnston,  having  succeeded 
him  on  the  17th.  This  meant  that  a  new  policy  was 
to  be  inaugurated  by  the  rebel  leaders,  one  in  which 
offensive  operations  of  the  most  vigorous  character 
might  be  expected  from  what  was  known  of  Hood,  who, 
though  of  small  ability  compared  with  Johnston,  was 
a  fighter  of  reputation.  General  Sherman  so  construed 
it  and  warned  all  of  his  subordinates  to  be  on  their 
guard.  McPherson  on  the  18th  reached  the  railroad 
near  Stone  Mountain,  tore  it  up  and  marched  toward 
Atlanta,  at  night  joining  Schofield  at  Decatur.  The 
Army  of  the  Cumberland  approached  Peach  Tree.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  crossed  Nancy's  Creek  and 
maintaining  a  hot  skirmish  fire  with  the  enemy,  drove 
them  a  mile  into  their  works.  One  man  was  wounded. 
Thus  far  since  crossing  the  Chattahoochee  things 
had  gone  so  smoothly  that  the  boys  began  to  speculate 
on  the  prospect  of  soon  having  a  good  time  in  Atlanta, 
but  it  was  the  calm  that  precedes  the  storm.  Many 
long  weeks  of  marching  and  fighting:  were  destined  to 
pass  away  before  the  fall  of  the  "Gate  City;"  many  a 
brave  heart  would  become  silent  in  death  before  the 
happening  of  that  event.  The  shadows  that  were  soon 
to  fall  upon  this  mighty  army  of  one  hundred  thousand 
men,  were  gathering  and  lengthening,  pregnant  with 
the  thunderclouds  of  battle  and  bearing  destruction 
for  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  On  the  19th  all  the 
armies  were  closely  united  again  before  Atlanta,  but 
portions  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  in  front  of 
Peach  Tree  fought  their  way  into  position  across  that 
creek  under  a  spirited  fire  from  the  enemy.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  bivouacked  on  Peach  Tree  at 
night.  The  20th  was  a  day  of  battle  on  this  part  of 
the  line.  Early  in  the  morning  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  crossing  Peach  Tree  Creek  at  HowelFs  Mills 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

and  marching  about  one  mile,  was  formed  in  line  of 
battle  on  the  first  line  and  on  the  left  of  the  Brigade, 
with  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky,  Forty-second  and  Eighty- 
eighth  Indiana  on  its  right.  Williams'  Division  of  the 
Twentieth  Corps  was  on  the  left.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  was  in  advance  of  the  left  of  the  Fifteenth 
Kentucky  about  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  yards, 
and  separated  from  it  by  a  deep  ravine  which  ran  by 
the  right  of  the  Regiment  and  to  the  rear.  The  men 
began  to  throw  up  works,  but  had  not  made  much 
progress  when  an  order  came  to  desist,  it  being  stated 
that  the  lines  would  soon  advance.  The  day  was 
intensely  hot  and  all  sought  the  shade  of  the  trees 
and  bushes  a  waiting  further  orders.  About  four  p.  m. 
the  enemy  advanced  and  attacked  the  Twentieth  Corps 
and  in  a  few  moments  rushed  upon  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  in  two  lines.  The  Regiment  fired  a  volley 
that  sent  them  back  to  a  ravine,  where,  forming  again, 
they  advanced  up  the  ravine  on  the  right  and  attacked 
the  right  flank  of  the  Regiment,  pouring  in  a  volley 
that  killed  or  wounded  half  of  the  men  in  the  five  right 
companies.  One  of  the  rebel  regiments,  passing  by 
the  right,  attacked  the  rear  of  the  half-finished  works 
on  the  right  and  a- hand  to  hand  contest  ensued  in  which 
every  man  was  a  hero.  Colonel  Hapeman  ordered 
.  Companies  A,  B  and  C,  or  what  was  left  of  them,  to 
withdraw  a  little.  The  other  companies,  meantime, 
maintained  their  position,  while  the  Fifteenth  Ken 
tucky  and  Forty-second  and  Eighty-eighth  Indiana 
formed  en  echelon  in  the  rear,  opened  a  volley  that 
made  the  enemy  pause.  Colonel  Hapeman  had  sent 
for  aid  and  the  Tenth  Wisconsin  came  to  the  rescue 
on  the  left,  while  the  Twenty-first  Wisconsin  formed 
on  the  right.  But  before  the  latter  arrived  the  rebels 
had  been  driven  back  and  their  colors,  which  they  had 
planted  on  the  works  of  the  Regiment,  captured.  The 
first  onset,  which  had  proved  so  destructive,  was  the 
work  of  a  few  moments.  The  enemy  in  trying  to  escape 
through  the  ravine  were  nearly  all  either  killed, 
wounded  or  captured  by  our  men.'  The  enemy  had  the 


222  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

impression  that  they  had  struck  the  right  flank  of  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland.  In  the  retreat  they  removed 
most  of  their  dead  and  wounded,  but  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  buried  five  who  had  fallen  in  one  spot.  The 
fight  lasted  about  an  hour,  but  was  begun  by  a  sur 
prise.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  followed  up  the 
rebels  with  the  rest  of  the  Brigade  and  its  skirmish 
ers  occupied  their  positions  of  the  morning.  The  report 
of  the  General  of  the  Brigade  says,  vide  Reb.  Rec.,  Vol. 
38,  Pt.  1,  p.  532:  "The  heaviest  of  the  fight  fell  on  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois,  and  that  Regiment, 
with  the  rest  of  the  command  acted  splendidly  through 
out  of  the  whole  engagement."  Colonel  Hapemau  says : 
"The  officers  and  men  behaved  gallantly  and  remained 
firm  in  their  position."  The  rebel  attack  did  not  extend 
further  to  the  right  than  the  front  of  the  First  Bri 
gade.  It  would  seem  that  sufficient  care  had  not  been 
taken  by  Colonel  McCook,  who,  in  the  absence  of  Gen 
eral  Carlin,  commanded  the  Brigade  in  posting  the 
Regiment  where  it  was  found  by  the  enemy.  The 
losses  were  appalling  for  so  small  a  command  and  cast 
a  shadow  of  gloom  over  the  Regiment.  They  were  as 
follows:  Killed — Captain  David  C.  Rynearson,  Com 
pany  C;  Captain  John  S.  H.  Doty,  Company  E;  Ser 
geant  Oliver  P.  Harding,  Company  A;  Alonzo  H.  Lar- 
kin,  Company  A;  Corporal  Edward  Woolsoucroft,  Com 
pany  B ;  Sergeant  John  Thorson,  Company  G ;  Corporal 
Edward  Munson,  Company  C;  Washington  G.  Parker, 
Company  C;  Sergeant  Henry  E.  Price,  Company  D;  Cor 
poral  Thomas  Burnham,  Company  D;  Musician  Otho 
Hobart,  Company  D;  Norman  Grant,  Company  D;  Wil 
liam  B.  Coyle,  Company  D;  John  S.  Powers,  Company 
D;  Peter  Dunn,  Company  E;  John  McCullough,  Com 
pany  E;  John  W.  Abbott,  Company  E.  Mortally 
wounded — Hiram  Anderson,  Company  D;  William  W. 
Pilkington,  Company  E.  Wounded — David  Varner, 
Company  A;  Patrick  O'Donnell,  Company  A,  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner;  Sergeant  William  M.  Chambers, 
Company  B;  Sergeant  Albert  C.  Bassett,  Company  B; 
Henry  IT.  Robison,  Company  B;  Henry  Winterscheidt, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

Company  B;  Sidney  W.  Burgess,  Company  B;  Gustavus 
Peterson,  Company  B;  Mons  Olson,  Company  B;  Ste 
phen  II.  Patterson,  Company  B;  Lieutenant  Thomas 
Clark,  Company  D,  severely;  Sergeant  John  T.  Post, 
Company  D,  in  the  head;  Corporal  Lewis  K.  Hutton, 
Company  D,  severely  in  the  head  and  right  leg;  John 
Shapland,  Company  3D ;  John  Rinker,  Company  D ;  Rich 
ard  J.  G  age,  severely,  three  wounds ;  Sergeant  William 
J.  Anderson,  Company  E ;  Sergeant  Robert  A.  Bratton, 
Company  E;  Corporal  William  H.  Conard,  Company  E, 
severely" in  right  shoulder;  Corporal  Hilou  L.  Mead, 
Company  E,  in  the  head;  William  M.  Wilson,  Company 
E,  severely  in  left  shoulder  joint. 

Captain  William  Strawn,  of  Company  F,  says  in 
regard  to  Peach  Tree  Creek:  "We  had  crossed  the 
Creek  and  had  come  to  a  halt  near  some  thick  woods 
and  brush;  stacked  arms  and  began  some  temporary 
works  when  we  were  ordered  to  stop.  We  were  out 
of  sight  and  at  some  distance  from  the  Brigade,  what 
for  we  never  knew.  It  was  very  hot.  About  four  p.  m. 
'Our  pickets  came  rushing  headlong  over  our  slight 
works,  and  a  rebel  force  following  closely,  fired  and 
charged  on  the  right  of  the  Regiment,  which  had 
scarcely  time  to  get  into  line  when  they  were  upon  us. 
The  whole  right  was  doubled  back  on  the  left,  when 
order  was  restored  and  the  rebels  eventually  driven 
back,  leaving  part  of  their  dead  and  wounded  in  our 
hands.  The  rest  of  the  Brigade  came  to  the  rescue. 
The  left  of  the  Regiment,  of  which  my  company  was 
the  right,  owing  to  the  fact  that  it  was  on  the  shel 
tered  side  of  a  ridge,  escaped  unharmed  and  took  part 
in  the  fight  with  spirit.  But  what  a  terrible  loss  had 
fallen  on  the  right.  Half  of  Companies  A,  B,  C,  D  and 
E,  were  either  killed,  wounded,  or  captured,  to  be 
dragged  to  the  rebel  hells  called  prisons.  Company 
E,  next  on  my  right,  lost  half  its  men.  Captain  Doty, 
my  warm  personal  friend,  lay  dying  with  five  bullet 
wounds  in  his  body.  He  was  lying  with  his  head  down 
Realizing  his  condition  he  called  to  me  to  pray 


224  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

for  him.  Taking  him  in  my  arms  and  placing  him  in  a 
better  position  I  administered  what  consolation  I  could. 
His  blood  saturating  my  clothing,  I  held  him  until  he 
was  carried  to  the  rear  on  a  stretcher.  Duty  calling 
me  elsewhere  I  saw  no  more  of  my  beloved  friend  and 
whole-souled,  noble  soldier.  He  died  soon  after  in  the 
full  consciousness  that  his  life  had  been  given  to  a  justi 
cause,  and  with  the  hope  of  the  Christian.  A  truly 
noble  soul,  using  no  cant,  making,  no  loud  professions, 
but  with  full  faith  in  his  Redeemer  and  the  goodness  of 
God.  The  center  of  the  rebel  line  struck  the  right  and 
rear  where  it  had  an  enfilading  fire  and  nothing  but 
the  elevation  spoken  of  saved  the  left.  We  have  a 
right  to  believe  that  the  placing  of  the  Regiment  so 
far  away  from  the  rest  of  the  Brigade  was  due  to  the 
inability  or  carelessness  of  our  Brigade  Commander. 
I  have  forgotten  his  name  and  am  glad  of  it;  my  indig 
nation  over  the  affair  was  not  at  white  heat  until  a 
copy  of  a  Cincinnati  paper  came  into  camp  with  a  com 
munication  from  'our  correspondent  at  the  front,'  in 
which  the  'bravery,  ability  and  consummate  general 
ship'  with  which  the  commander  handled  the  Brigade, 
etc.,  was  heralded  to  the  world.  Handled  the  Brigade! 
Bah!  The  Brigade  having  been  placed  in  an  awkward 
position  and  made  to  believe  there  was  no  enemy  within 
striking  distance,  when  the  time  came,  handled  itself! 
the  other  regiments  coming  to  our  aid  as  soon  as  we 
were  attacked.  However,  we  lost  many  brave  men 
owning  entirely  to  the  fact  that  the  Regiment  had  been 
placed  in  an  improper  position  before  a  vigilant  foe, 
ever  on  the  lookout  for  just  such  an  opportunity  as  was 
presented.  When  burying  the  dead  on  the  next  day 
'  quite  a  number  were  found  on  both  sides,  pierced  with 
the  bayonet.  Notwithstanding  the  suddenness  of  the 
attack  and  the  fierceness  of  the  struggle,  there  was  no 
panic  in  our  ranks.  This  was  owing  to  the  fact  that 
we  had  become  so  accustomed  to  the  coolness  of  our 
regimental  officers  that  one  and  all  took  it  for  granted 
that  to  simply  obey  orders  was  the  surest  way  to  come 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  225 

out  all  right.  The  next  morning  was  spent  in  burying 
the  dead,  in  which  sad  duty  the  dead  rebels  received 
the  same  attention  as  our  own." 

John  G.  Newell,  of  Company  E,  says  in  regard  to 
Captain  Doty:  "I  was  among  the  first  to  reach  the 
side  of  our  beloved  and  lamented  Captain  Doty  when 
he  fell  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  and  shall  never  forget  his 
last  words,  which  were  these:  'Drive  back  those  rebels 
first,  then  take  care  of  me.'  He  was  the  idol  of  his 
men,  noble,  generous,  brave." 

While  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged 
as  described  on  the  right,  the  tide  of  battle 'had  been 
borne  strongly  against  the  divisions  of  Newton,  Wil 
liams  and  Geary,  on  the  left.  The  enemy  about  three 
o'clock  swarmed  in  dense  masses  out  of  their  intrench- 
inents  and  rushed  from  the  woods,  taking  Newton  on 
both  flanks  and  front,  and  were  coming  in  between  him 
and  Geary  when  Ward's  Division  confronted  them  and 
threw  the  rebels  into  confusion  and  retreat  with  heavy 
losses.  Williams  and  Geary,  with  Newton,  were  equally 
successful  in  repulsing  every  attack  and  the  rebels  with 
drew,  but  later  attempted  to  turn  Newton's  left  in  heavy 
columns,  when  General  Thomas  assuming  personal 
direction,  massed  all  the  artillery  of  Ward  and  Newton 
and  mowed  down  the  enemy  by  thousands.  The  battle 
raged  with  fury  until  six,  when  the  rebel  hosts  again 
withdrew.  On  the  right,  opposite  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  their  second  attack  was  easily  repulsed, 
and  in  this  the  decimated  Regiment  took  part. 
Hooker's  Corps  lost  about  fifteen  hundred  men.  Hood's 
losses  were  heavy,  being  from  three  to  five  thousand. 
Ward's  Division  captured  seven  battle  flags,  and  two 
hundred  and  forty-six  prisoners.  The  rebel  repulses 
had  been  signal  ones  and  the  new  policy  of  Hood  and 
his  master  was  fully  shown.  Its  success  or  failure  was 
of  more  importance  to  the  rebels  than  to  Sherman, 
whose  large  and  compact  army  scarcely  felt  the  blow 
and  thereafter  knew  well  what  to  expect. 

On  the  21st  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  occupied 


226  THE  ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  morning  in  the  sad  task  of  burying  the  dead.  The 
wounded  were  taken  in  charge  by  Surgeon  Dyer.  This 
duty  completed,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  with 
the  Brigade,  was  advanced  half  a  mile  under  a  brisk 
fire.  The  movement  was  in  conformity  with  that  of 
Hooker's  Corps  on  the  left.  Captain  Stravvn  says:  "A 
long  skirmish  line  was  formed  with  that  of  the  Twen 
tieth  Corps,  and  orders  given  to  push  the  enemy  into 
their  main  works.  Company  F  was  sent  from  our 
Regiment  and  ordered  to  occupy  a  central  position  in 
the  line,  which,  judging  from  the  shouting  and  reports 
of  musketry,  was  several  miles  long.  We  experienced 
a  stubborn  resistance  advancing  amidst  continuous 
firing,  so  that  as  a  whole  the  progress  of  the  line  was 
very  slow.  During  the  time  Company  F,  with  enough 
to  do  in  its  front,  suddenly  discovered  that  the  skir 
mishers  of  the  Twentieth  Corps  on  our  left  had  halted 
for  some  reason  unknown  to  us.  This  gave  the  rebels 
an  opportunity  to  pour  in  a  galling  fire  on  the  left  of 
my  line.  The  ground  we  were  marching  over  was  cov 
ered  with  a  thick  growth  of  trees  and  brush  in  full 
leaf.  The  rebels  had  made  defenses  by  digging  pits 
and  throwing  the  dirt  on  the  side  toward  us.  Over 
these  they  had  cunningly  arranged  branches  so  as  to 
conceal  their  locality  and  occupants  from  our  view  as 
we  approached.  Sometimes  we  ran  right  into  these 
before  discovering  them.  William  Jefferson  was  killed 
at  the  base  of  one  of  these,  to  all  appearance  before  he 
discovered  its  character.  Samuel  McCashland  was 
mortally  wounded  by  a  musket  ball  from  the  uncov 
ered  left  before  mentioned,  and  died  on  the  29th,  fully 
conscious,  sending  farewell  and  love  to  all  his  com 
rades.  James  M.  Gatchell  was  badly  wounded  in  the 
hip,  but  recovered.  George  Mushberger  was  wounded. 
These  casualties  happened  nearly  at  the  same  time,  and 
the  fire  from  our  left  becoming  every  moment  more 
spiteful,  I  ordered  the  men  to  lie  down  and  only  fire 
when  they  could  see  a  rebel  to  fire  at.  Unlooked-for 
trouble  had  occurred  all  along  the  line,  as  we  soon 
received  orders  to  desist  and  withdraw.  To  advance 


.REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  227 

had  been  almost  impossible  and  to  withdraw  was 
equally  hazardous.  We  w^ere  so  close  to  the  rebel  rifle 
pits  that  if  the  boys  should  rise  to  their  feet  they 
would  be  almost  certain  to  be  shot/  It  was  my  busi 
ness  to  notify  each  one  and  I  managed  to  get  all  out 
of  the  position,  except  two  or  three  who,  taken  with 
a  panic,  had  broken  for  the  rear.  On  arriving  at  our 
camp  I  sent  a  Sergeant  to  bring  up  those  who  had  left 
us,  knowing  they  would  be  ashamed.  Then  I  said  to 
one  of  them,  <I  am  ashamed  of  you ;  what  was  the  mat 
ter  T  As  honest  as  honesty  itself,  he  replied,  'Well, 
Cap,  I  was  skeert.'  This  young  soldier  was  naturally 
as  brave  as  the  bravest;  he  had  never  flinched  before 
and  his  record  thereafter  was  equally  good." 

General  Hood,  having  failed  in  his  attacks  on  the 
Peach  Tree  Creek  line,  a  plan  devised  by  General  John 
ston  himself,  withdrew  his  army  that  night  to  the 
defenses  immediately  near  Atlanta.  These  consisted 
of  long  lines  of  intrenchments,  forts,  ditches  in  front, 
abatis,  and  chevaux  de  frise,  all  of  which  had  been 
elaborately  prepared  long  ago  in  anticipation  of  attack. 
During  the  day  our  armies  had  steadily  driven  back 
the  enemy  and  night  found  them  approaching  the  walls 
of  the  city,  only  three  miles  distant,  so  near  and  yet 
so  far.  Of  the  movement  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  on  the  22d  Captain  Strawn  says:  "The  enemy 
having  withdrawn  in  the  night  we  formed  line  of  bat 
tle,  Company  E  as  skirmishers,  and  marched  through 
the  woods  with  slight  opposition,  which  soon  disap 
peared,  and  we  deluded  ourselves  into  the  belief  that 
the  enemy  had  really  evacuated  Atlanta.  This  idea 
caused  us  to  abandon  the  line  of  battle  formation  and 
we  took  the  rout  step,  marching  at  will  without  regard 
to  time,  and  we  were  proceeding  gaily  along  right  into 
—no,  not  the  city,  but  plain  sight  of  the  rebel  fortifica 
tions.  The  time  occupied  in  grasping  the  situation 
and  wheeling  into  line  right  and  left  was  not  long." 
But  the  22d  was  not  to  close  without  a  battle  of  severe 
proportions  on  the  left.  McPherson's  Army  of  the  Ten 
nessee  w^as  fiercely  attacked  by  a  part  of  Hood's  army 


228  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  assault,  in  which,  gaining  at  first  some  advantage, 
it  was  before  the  close  of  the  day  badly  defeated  and 
sought  shelter  within  the  works.  The  brave  and  gifted 
McPherson  fell  early  in  the  action,  yielding  up  his  life 
at  the  early  age  of  thirty-four.  He  was  succeeded  on 
the  field  by  General  John  A.  Logan.  The  enemy  lost, 
as  computed  by  General  Logan,  3,240  men  killed,  2,200 
of  these  were  from  actual  count;  1,000  prisoners  were 
taken  besides  those  wounded.  Their  entire  loss  was 
estimated  at  8,000.  Our  army  lost  in  killed,  wounded 
and  missing,  3,722  men.  Thus  closed  the  battle  of 
Atlanta,  and  both  armies  sat  down  behind  their  in- 
trenchments,  Hood  at  bay,  and  Sherman  to  solve  the 
problem  of  how  to  compass  the  defeat  of  his  antag 
onist  and  seize  Atlanta.  Writing  of  the  23d  Sherman 
Leland  says:  "I  took  the  team  up  to  the  Regiment 
and  staid  there  until  the  shells  from  the  enemy's  bat 
teries  made  it  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the  mules  to 
move  to  a  hollow  near  by,  from  which  we  were  soon 
shelled  out.  Then  moved  back  and  halted  near  the  rail 
road."  It  occurs  to  the  writer  that  those  mules  must 
have  been  valuable.  On  the  24th,  about  eleven  at  night, 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  took  part  in  a  feint  attack 
on  the  enemy's  works  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  their 
fire  and  learning  the  position  of  their  batteries.  The 
bugles  sounded  the  charge  and  yelling  began  all  along 
the  line,  when  the  rebels  opened  fire  and  the  object 
was  accomplished.  After  that  our  boys  amused  them 
selves  in  laughing  at  the  rebels. 


CHAPTER   XV. 


The    Siege    and    Pall    of    Atlanta. 


On  the  26th  of  July  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
was  again  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  of  its 
bravest  and  most  faithful  soldiers,  Charles  B.  Ruger, 
of  Company  E,  being  mortally  wounded  by  a  musket 
ball  from  the  enemy's  works  whilst  the  Regiment  was 
resting  quietly  behind  the  defenses.  His  father,  Gabriel 
Ruger,  was  well  known  to  the  Regiment  as  a  great 
patriot  and  the  firm  friend  of  the  soldiers  of  La  Salle 
County,  which  fact  had  been  shown  on  many  occa 
sions,  and  by  his  public  acts  as  a  member  of  the  Board 
of  Supervisors  of  the  County.  Charley  .was  loved  by  all 
and  there  was  a  feeling  of  sadness  when  his  young  life 
was  so  suddenly  and  cruelly  ended  by  a  rebel  bullet. 

Colonel  McCook  having  gone  home,  was  succeeded 
temporarily  by  Colonel  Taylor  in  the  command  of  the 
Brigade,  Colonel  Hapeman  taking  command  of  the  left 
wing  of  the  Brigade.  Other  changes  occurred  on  the 
27th,  in  accordance  with  the  desires  of  General  Sher 
man.  General  Howard  was  appointed  to  command 
the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  succeeding  General  Logan. 
General  Stanley  then  took  command  of  the  Fourth 
Corps.  General  Joseph  Hooker  resigned,  being  in  the 
sulks  because  not  preferred  by  Sherman  as  Commander 
of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee.  Though  General  Sher 
man  had  an  undoubted  leaning  toward  regular  army 
officers,  West  Point  men,  we  did  not  see  John  A.  Logan 
resigning  when  Howard  succeeded  him.  He  had  always 
been  identified  with  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  and 
was  fully  capable  to  command  it,  but  with  him  patriot 
ism  and  duty  were  paramount. 

On  the  25th  the  armies  were  distributed  as  follows: 
The  Army  of  the  Tennessee  on  the  left,  the  Army  of 


230  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  Ohio  next  on  the  right;  then  came  the  Army  of 
the  Cumberland,  numbering  from  left  to  right,  the 
Fourth,  Twentieth  and  Fourteenth  Army  Corps.  The 
intrenched  lines  extended  for  a  distance  of  five  miles. 
The  cavalry  was  divided  into  two  strong  divisions 
under  McCook  and  Stoneman.  The  rebel  works  in  and 
about  Atlanta  being  too  strong  to  assault  successfully 
and  the  operations  of  a  regular  si£ge  too  slow  to  suit 
the  impatient  mind  of  General  Sherman;  also  to  avoid 
the  butchery  of  his  brave  soldiers,  he  proposed  to  force 
Hood  out  of  Atlanta  by  executing  another  grand  flank 
movement  on  the  right  designed  to  secure  possession 
of  the  Macon  and  Atlanta  Railroad,  which  was  the  only 
one  left  to  the  rebels  and  by  w^hich  they  received  their 
supplies  and  kept  communication  open  with  the  rear. 
This  destroyed,  Hood  must  of  necessity  come  out  and 
fight  or  abandon  the  city.  Therefore  General  Sherman 
issued  orders  for  general  movements  on  the  27th.  The 
cavalry  started  by  two  different  routes  to  destroy  the 
railroad,  but  only  partially  succeeded,  and  Stoueman 
essaying  to  liberate  the  Federal  prisoners  at  Macon 
and  Andersonville,  was  himself  captured,  together  with 
seven  hundred  of  his  men,  at  the  former  place.  The 
writer,  then  a  prisoner  of  war  at  Macon,  remembers 
Avell  the  advent  of  General  Stoneman  and  his  officers, 
into  the  prison  pen.  As  his  command  approached 
Macon  the  prisoners  heard  the  firing  and  expected  to 
be  liberated,  but  their  astonishment  and  disappoint 
ment  was  great,  when  soon  after  our  would-be  res'cu- 
ers  came  in  as  prisoners.  This  episode  did  not  add 
in  any  great  degree  to  General  Stoneman's  gentle  dis 
position  as  evinced  by  his  vigorous  language.  The 
Army  of  the  Tennessee  moved  to  the  right,  joining 
Thomas,  and  was  severely  engaged  on  the  28th  with 
Hardee's  and  Lee's  Corps  sent  by  Hood,  who  rightly 
understood  the  meaning  of  the  movement.  These 
troops  made  six  desperate  assaults  and  wrere  six  times 
repulsed  with  very  heavy  losses.  Many  prisoners  and 
five  battle  flags  were  taken.  The  battle  was  fought 
near  Ezra  Church.  Our  troops  had  no  intrenchments, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  231 

but  only  slight  barricades  of  rails  and  logs.  General 
John  A.  Logan,  Commander  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  was 
awarded  great  credit  by  General  Howard  for  his  con 
duct  in  this  battle.  General  Hood  having  again  failed 
to  accomplish  anything  by  repeated  assaults,  rested 
behind  his  works,  and  during  the  next  three  days  Gen 
eral  Sherman  gradually  extended  his  lines  to  the  right 
toward  the  Macon  road,  fully  satisfied  by  this  time 
that  his  cavalry  could  not  break  up  that  line.  By 
reaching  it  with  his  infantry  and  artillery  the  object 
might  be  gained.  Hood,  however,  made  corresponding 
movements,  which,  having  the  inner  and  shorter  line, 
it  was  easy  to  do.  The  losses  to  Sherman  during  July 
in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  aggregated  9,719  men. 
The  rebel  losses  for  the  same  period  in  killed  and 
wounded  were  8,841,  but  the  prisoners,  numbering 
2,000,  were  not  given  in  the  rebel  reports. 

On  August  1st  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  whilst 
engaged  in  skirmishing,  had  one  man  wounded.  Major 
Widmer,  as  usual,  had  charge  of  the  line.  On  the  3d 
General  Carlin  returned  and  assumed  command  of  the 
Brigade,  which  moved  about  four  miles  to  the  right 
in  close  proximity  to  the  enemy.  On  the  4th  the  Regi 
ment  moved  to  the  line  of  Utoy  Creek,  on  the  extreme 
right,  relieving  troops  of  the  Twenty-third  Corps.  On 
the  5th  the  Brigade  advanced  to  develop  the  enemy, 
and  charging,  drove  them  from  the  first  line  of  rifle 
pits.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  moved  in  the  even 
ing  two  miles  to  the  right  and  took  position  on  the 
right  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps.  It  remained  here  during 
the  6th,  but  on  the  7th  was  actively  engaged  in  an 
advance  made  toAvard  the  main  rebel  works,  losing 
during  the  day  fourteen  men  killed  and  wounded.  The 
first,  and  second  lines  of  rebel  rifle  pits  were  captured 
under  a  furious  fire  from  the  rebel  works.  Captain 
Strawn  writes  thus  of  the  engagement:  "Being  placed 
in  command  of 'the  picket  line  of  our  Regiment  we  soon 
found  ourselves  in  close  proximity  to  the  rebel  skir 
mishers.  The  whole  line  of  the  Brigade's  skirmishers 
joined  us  on  our  right  and  left.  About  twelve  in.  Gen- 


232  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

eral  Carlin  came  along  the  line  in  the  thick  brush  and 
gave  us  verbal  orders  to  have  our  men  ready  on  the 
line  of  battle  without  any  noise,  and  at  a  given  signal, 
charge  and  drive  the  rebels  out  of  their  defenses  and 
as  far  as  possible  toward  their  main  line.  We  did  not 
have  long  to  wait.  The  charge  was  made  and  so  unex 
pectedly  to  the  rebels  that  most  of  them  forsook  their 
rifle  pits  without  firing  a  gun.  We  pursued  them  with 
great  celerity  on  the  keen  run,  until  an  open  field  was 
reached  when  fire  was  opened  on  us  from  the  rebel 
w^orks  on  the  other  side.  Meantime  we  had  pulled  down 
a  high  worm  fence  in  our  front  and  erected  temporary 
defenses.  General  Carlin  then  coming  up  with  the 
whole  Brigade,  a  strong  line  was  established  within 
two  hundred  yards  of  the  rebel  breastworks.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  was  moved  a  few  rods  to  the  left 
of  the  rail  barricade  and  established  a  line  in  the  edge 
of  the  brush  along  the  side  of  an  open  field  fronting 
the  enemy.  One  of  my  men  suddenly  found  himself 
alone  in  the  field  and  in  view  of  the  rebels.  Curling 
down  behind  a  stump  he  remained  until  dark,  when 
he  joined  the  company.  Captain  Fitzsimmons,  of  Com 
pany  K,  who  was  on  top  of  the  ridge  in  the  open  field, 
was  almost  instantly  killed.  He  was  a  very  brave  and 
capable  officer,  much  respected  by  the  whole  Regiment 
and  was  missed  greatly."  The  following  casualties 
occurred  on  the  7th  at  TJtoy  Creek:  Killed — Captain 
James  P.  Fitzsimmons,  Company  K;  Sergeant  Albert 
C.  Bassett,  Company  B;  Sergeant  William  H.  Craig, 
Company  K;  Charles  E.  Graves,  Company  H.  Mortally 
wounded — John  M.  Winslow,  Company  A.  Wounded 
—Robert  West,  Company  B;  John  W.  Davis,  Company 
C;  Samuel  J.  Doane,  Company  C;  Alexander  H.  Lane, 
Company  D;  Sergeant  Francis  M.  Daugherty,  Company 
F;  Corporal  James  Mooney,  Company  F;  Oliver  Law 
rence,  Company  G;  Roswell  Jacobs,  Cofmpany  H;  Cor 
nelius  Snider,  Company  I. 

General  John  M.  Palmer  having  resigned  the  com 
mand  of  the  Fourteenth  Army  Corps  on  the  6th,  Gen 
eral  R.  W.  Johnson,  by  virtue  of  seniority,  succeeded 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  233 

him,  but  gave  place  a  few  days  later  to  General  Jeffer 
son  C.  Davis,  who  became  permanent  Commander. 

*  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  remained  on  the  new 
advanced  lines  close  to  the  enemy's  works  until  August 
26th,  exposed  most  of  the  time  to  a  severe  fire  from 
artillery  and  sharpshooters.  This  compelled  the  men 
to  keep  closely  under  cover,  but  several  losses  occurred 
to  the  Regiment  while  in  its  works  or  on  the  skirmish 
lines.  On  the  8th,  John  P.  Johnson,  of  Company  F,  was 
badly  wounded.  On  the  9th,  P.  A.  Hawk,  of  Company  G, 
was  wounded  in  the  face,  and  on  the  llth,  John  Everitt, 
of  Company  H,  in  the  head.  On  the  12th  Corppral 
John  Ruble,  of  Company  G,  color  bearer,  was  severely 
wounded.  Captain  Strawn,  speaking  of  this,  says :  "A 
stray  bullet  coming  from  the  right  made  four  holes  in 
the  hat  of  Sergeant  John  Shay,  of  my  company,  and 
then  plunged  into  the  neck  of  the  color  bearer.  The 
blood  spurted  out  in  a  stream  as  large  as  a  man's  little 
finger.  I  was  standing  close  by  and  thought  an  artery 
had  been  severed.  Our  Surgeon,  fortunately,  was  near, 
and  being  summoned,  came  quickly  and  applying  his 
thumb  to  the  wound,  bandaged  it  and  sent  the  man  to 
the  hospital.  Few  of  us  expected  to  see  him  alive 
again,  but  in  a  short  time  he  recovered  and  resumed  his 
place  as  color  bearer."  Captain  Proctor  mentions  the 
same  event  and  says  that  about  that  time  several  men 
were  killed  or  severely  wounded,  always  in  or  about 
the  head,  and  he  attributes  the  killing  of  Fitzsimmons, 
Craig  and  Graves,  as  well  as  the  wounding  of  the  others 
to  the  same  rebel  sharpshooter,  who  was  probably  con 
cealed  in  the  thick  foliage  of  a  tree.  The  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  took  part  in  an  advance  on  the  13th, 
to  capture  the  rebel  rifle  pits  in  front.  These  were 
carried  for  the  whole  length  of  two  brigades,  the  Regi 
ment  losing  in  killed  George  Schweigart,  of  Company 
K;  Joseph  Burkart  and  Nathan  Rham,  of  Company  K, 
were  wounded;  also  Alexander  Bramble  and  Wiliiam 
H.  Jones,  of  Company  D. 

Edgar  L.  Stevens,  of  Company  D,  thus  describes  the 


234  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

part  taken  by  himself  and  comrades  in  this  action.  He 
says :  "I  was  one  of  twenty-one  men  on  the  picket  line 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Rood,  of  Company  G.  We 
were  on  the  south  side  of  a  little  creek.  The  rebel 
picket  lines  were  on  the  other  side,  in  the  edge  of  some 
woods,  there  being  a  cleared  field  three  hundred  yards 
wide  between  them  and  the  creek.  General  Carlin 
came  out  to  our  picket  line  and  asked  the  Lieutenant 
if  he  could  charge  and  take  the  rebel  line  of  rifle  pits 
in  front.  The  Lieutenant  said  he  could  try.  The  men 
were  then  assembled  in  single  line  two  or  three  yards, 
apart  and  at  the  word  of  command  we  clambered 
through  the  brush  down  the  bank,  and  wading  over 
rushed  up  the  opposite  side,  when  we  came  into  full 
view  of  the  enemy,  who  began  to  fire  on  us  at  once. 
Instead  of  returning  the  fire,  we  advanced  on  them  at 
the  double  quick  without  halting,  until  we  reached  their 
pits  and  mounting  the  works  with  muskets  cocked  and 
bayonets  fixed,  demanded  their  surrender.  The  rebels 
immediately  dropped  their  guns  and  being  collected, 
were  escorted  to  the  rear  by  a  part  of  our  boys.  Thus- 
twenty-two  men,  including  our  commander,  captured 
forty-four  rebels  without  our  having  fired  a  shot." 

The  ease  with  which  the  rebel  line  was  taken  and 
the  ready  surrender  of  the  rebels  was  due  to  the  fact 
that  they  had  become  tired  of  fighting  and  only  wanted 
a  decent  pretext  to  get  under  the  protection  of  the  old 
flag.  On  some  parts  of  the  line  the  rebels,  according 
to  Captain  Proctor,  had  arranged  to  fire  over  the  heads 
of  our  men  when  they  charged.  This  agreement,  it 
seems,  was  faithfully  carried  out,  and  the  casualties 
occuring  to  our  side  were  inflicted  from  other  sources. 
On  the  13th  and  14th  some  three  hundred  men  man 
aged  to  be  captured  by  our  forces.  Meantime,  how 
ever,  the  fire  from  the  rebel  sharpshooters  and  their 
main  works  continued.  On  the  evening  of  the  14th  the 
enemy  made  a  dash  on  the  skirmish  line  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  wounding  two  men.  Their  bat 
tery  made  the  head  logs  of  our  works  fly  with  solid 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  235 

shot  and  shell,  but  meeting  with  a  firm  resistance  from 
Captain  Proctor  and  his  men,  the  enemy  fell  back  to 
their  works. 

General  Sherman  sent  Kilpatrick  on  the  18th  to 
break  up  the  railroad.    That  General  destroyed  some 
three  miles  and  made  the  circuit  of  Atlanta,  but  failed 
to  inflict  lasting  damage  and  Sherman  then  determined 
to  raise  the  siege  of  the  city  and  throw  the  main  part 
of  his  army  further  south  toward  Jonesboro,  directly 
on  Hood's  communications.     In   preparation   for   the 
movement,  the  Twentieth  Corps  was  sent  to  the  in- 
trenchments  beyond  the  Chattahoochee  to  guard  the 
bridge,  the  ferries,  material,  supplies,  etc.,  there  accu 
mulated.  The  Fourth  Corps  covered  the  transfer.  Begin 
ning  on  the  night  of  the  25th,  the  Fourth  Corps  moved 
to  the  right  and  closed  up  on  the  Fourteenth  Corps 
near  Utoy  Creek.    In  the  night  of  the  26th  the  Army 
of  the  Tennessee  went  to  the  extreme  right  of  the  other 
twro  corps.     The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  leaving  the 
works  where  it  had  remained  so  long,  and  marching 
to  the  right  until  one  a.  m.  of    the   27th,    went    into 
bivouac  for  the  rest  of  the  day.     As  afterward  learned, 
the  rebels  in  Atlanta,  on  finding  that  Sherman's  armies 
had  disappeared,  rejoiced  greatly  and  telegraphed  the 
news  all  over  the  south,  thinking  that  they  had  got 
rid  of  the  hated  Yankees,  but  they  soon  after  found 
that  they  had  crowed  to  soon,  for  on  the  28th  the 
meaning  of  this  sudden  departure  began  to  dawn  upon 
their  minds.     Hood,  to  meet  the  new  movement  of  his 
adversary,  had  thrown  Hardee's  and  Lee's  Corps  into 
Jonesboro.     The  28th  was  occupied  by  the  armies  in 
executing  a  grand  left  wheel  on  Schofield  as  a  pivot, 
which  was  closed  at  night  by  the  arrival  of  Thomas 
and  Howard  at  the  railroad.     The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  camped  near  Bed  Oak,  and  on  the  29th  was 
detailed  to  guard  troops  engaged  in  tearing  up  the 
track  and  destroying  the  material. 

On  the  30th "  the  Twenty-third   Corps  faced  East 
Point.     Thomas  w^as  near  on  the  right  and  Howard 


236  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

approaching-  Jonesboro.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
moved  six  miles  and  camped.  Howard  did  some  skir 
mishing  with  the  enemy  and  reached  a  point  within 
two  miles  of  Jonesboro.  The  movements  of  all  the 
armies  on  the  31st  were  directed  toward  the  new 
objective  and  the  railroad,  which  was  destroyed  as 
they  advanced.  In  the  afternoon*  Hardee  made  an 
attack  on  a  part  of  Howard's  line,  but  was  repulsed. 
It  became  evident  to  every  soldier  on  the  evening  of 
the  31st  that  the  long  campaign  for  the  possession  of 
Atlanta  would  soon  end.  All  felt  that  some  great 
event  was  about  to  happen.  It  was  an  intuitive  feel 
ing,  though  the  exact  situation  was  not  yet  fully  known. 
On  September  1st  the  armies  were  early  in  motion  and 
late  in  the  afternoon  the  Fourteenth  Corps  formed  a 
junction  with  Howard's  left  reaching  to  the  railroad. 
Stanley  and  Schoneld  followed.  General  Davis  form 
ing  his  divisions  in  line  in  front  of  Hardee's  works, 
charged  and  captured  a  rebel  brigade  and  two  bat 
teries.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  present. 
Owing  to  night  coming  on  and  the  failure  of  Stanley 
to  arrive  in  time,  Hardee  was  enabled  to  escape  and 
retreat  to  Lovejoy's  Station.  During  the  night  heavy 
explosions  were  heard  in  the  direction  of  Atlanta, 
twenty  miles  distant,  the  meaning  of  which  was  a 
cause  of  conjecture.  The  morning  of  the  2d  dawned 
upon  the  deserted  works  of  the  rebels  at  Jonesboro, 
and  Sherman  was  not  a  little  chagrined  that  Hardee 
had  escaped,  but  at  once  ordered  a  vigorous  pursuit. 
The  Fourteenth  Corps  remained  at  Jonesboro.  During 
the  day  rumors  .of  the  evacuation  of  Atlanta  reached 
our  army  and  caused  great  rejoicing.  Even  General 
Thomas,  it  is  said,  threw  up  his  hat  and  indulged  in 
extraordinary  antics  of  happiness.  General  Slocum, 
who,  from  his  works  at  the  Chattahoochee,  had  heard 
the  explosion  in  the  night,  sent  Colonel  Coburn  early 
in  the  morning  with  a  brigade  toward  the  city,  and 
followed  himself  soon  after.  On  the  way  these  troops 
were  met  by  the  Mayor  of  Atlanta,  who  made  a  formal 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  237 

surrender.  The  city  was  then  occupied  by  General 
Slocum's  command  in  force.  It  was  found  that 
Hood,  before  leaving,  had  destroyed  nearly  all  the 
material  he  could  not  remove.  However,  Slocum 
secured  twenty  cannon  and  some  small  arms.  Vast 
numbers  of  cars  and  locomotives,  machinery  and  army 
supplies,  together  with  buildings,  had  been  blown  up. 
Fair  Atlanta  had  become  a  wreck  in  part.  Later  in 
the  day  Sherman  received  a  note  from  General  Slocuni 
that  Atlanta  was  really  ours.  General  Sherman, 
though  with  his  army  before  the  enemy  at  Lovejoy's, 
soon  decided  to  bring  the  present  campaign  to  a  close, 
return  to  Atlanta,  and  give  his  armies  a  much  needed 
rest  after  their  four  months  of  marchings  and  battles, 
during  which  time  there  had  been  scarcely  a  day  when 
some  part  of  the  lines  was  not  under  fire.  There  were, 
besides,  other  reasons  for  a  halt.  A  most  vital  part  of 
the  rebel  Confederacy  had  been  wrested  from  the  grasp 
of  Jeff.  Davis,  but  his  army  still  remained,  though  in 
retreat  and  no  doubt  disheartened.  NCAV  plans  must 
be  studied  for  future  movements  against  the  still  defi 
ant  foe.  Therefore  on  the  5th  Sherman's  armies  were 
ordered  to  march  to  Atlanta,  arriving  in  and  around 
the  city  on  the  8th,  where  they  were  disposed  in  com 
manding  positions  and  went  into  camp  for  a  brief 
period  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  victory  obtained  after  one 
of  the  longest,  most  remarkable  and  brilliant  cam 
paigns  on  record. 

On  the  3d  of  September  the  following  dispatch  was 
received  and  promulgated  to  the  armies: 

"Executive  Mansion, 
"Washington,  D.  C.,  Sept.  3d,  1864. 
"The  National  thanks  are  tendered  by  the  President 
to  Major-General  W.  T.  Sherman  and  the  gallant  offi 
cers  and  soldiers  of  his  command  before  Atlanta,  for 
the  distinguished  ability  and  perseverance  displayed 
in  the  campaign  in  Georgia,  which,  under  Divine  favor, 
has  resulted  in  the  capture  of  Atlanta.    The  marches, 
battles,  sieges,  and  other  military  operations  that  have 


238  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

signalized  the  campaign,  must  render  it  famous  in  the 
annals  of  war,  and  have  entitled  those  who  have  par 
ticipated  therein  to  the  applause  and  thanks  of  the 
Nation. 

"ABRAHAM  LINCOLN, 

"President  of  the  United  States/' 

This  and  another  from  General  Grant  created  great 
enthusiasm  among  the  soldiers  and  each  could  justly 
feel  proud  that  he  had  borne  a  part,  however  humble, 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign. 

To  no  one,  perhaps,  was  the  success  of  Sherman's 
armies  more  gratifying  than  to  Abraham  Lincoln. 
Atlanta  fell  at  an  opportune  time  in  the  history  of 
the  Nation  in  its  struggle  for  existence.  A  national 
election  was  then  approaching  and  this  victory  made 
the  re-election  of  President  Lincoln  certain.  It  gave 
new  courage  and  moral  force  to  the  friends  of  the 
Union  in  the  North,  w^ho  wisely  and  naturally  desired 
to  have  Mr.  Lincoln  re-elected,  while  it  equally  dis 
couraged  the  adherents  of  General  McClellan,  the  can 
didate  of  the  Democratic  party  and  of  the  South,  wrho 
had  been  nominated  on  a  platform  that  declared  the 
war  a  failure  and  that  it  should  be  stopped  at  once. 
It  appears  that  our  Democratic  soldiers  thought  dif 
ferently.  Captain  James  M.  Leighton,  a  war  Democrat, 
writing  from  Nashville  on  September  8th,  says:  "In 
addition  to  Court  Martial  duties  I  was  assigned  to  the 
command  of  a  battalion  of  convalescents  for  the  defense 
of  Nashville  against  Wheeler.  The  State  Convention, 
composed  of  all  Union  men,  has  been  held  here  four 
days,  eliciting  great  interest.  Copperheads  have  kept 
out  of  sight.  However,  one  of  the  delegates  to  the 
Chicago  National  Democratic  Convention  arrived  here 
in  time,  as  he  thought,  to  enlighten  this  convention. 
He  got  into  the  hall  and  commenced  his  Chicago  secesh 
harangue,  when  he  was  hissed  dow^n  and  requested  to 
leave  the  room,  with  the  assurance  that  on  his  refusal 
he  would  be  put  out.  I  think  it  would  be  well  for 
many  of  our  northern  men  to  read  the  resolutions 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  239 

passed  here,  one  of  which  is  an  unqualified  condemna 
tion  of  the  Chicago  Convention  and  'platform.'  "  Again 
he  writes:  "It  does  seem  as  though  people  at  the 
North  are  making  every  effort  to  cripple  the  present 
Administration.  We  think  since  hearing  of  McClel- 
lan's  nomination,  that  Uncle  Abe's  chances  are  good. 
I  wish  they  would  leave  it  to  the  soldiers;  we  would 
settle  the  question  at  once."  That  Captain  Leighton 
voiced  the  convictions  of  ninety-five  per  cent  or  more 
of  the  soldiers  who  were  Democrats,  is  no  doubt  true. 
To  show  the  feeling  among  soldiers  the  writer,  then 
a  prisoner  of  war,  w^as  present  at  a  test  election  held 
in  our  prison  camp  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  about  October 
12th.  One  thousand  and  twenty-seven  votes  were  cast, 
nearly  all  in  the  prison  voting.  Of  these,  eight  hun 
dred  and  eighty-four  were  cast  for  Abraham  Lincoln, 
one  hundred  arid  forty-three  for  McClellan.  The  Illi 
nois  men  voted  seventy-nine  for  the  former,  eight  for 
the  latter.  The  figures  are  taken  from  the  diary  of 
the  writer.  The  votes  for  McClellan  were  mostly  given 
by  soldiers  who  were  from  the  eastern  armies.  While 
the  patriotic  people  of  the  North  were  rejoicing  with 
bonfires,  illuminations  and  speech-making  in  honor  of 
the  signal  triumphs  of  Sherman's  armies,  and  gather 
ing  new  moral  strength  and  determination  that  the 
rebellion  should  not  succeed,  the  effect  on  our  erring 
brethren  of  the  'South  was  quite  the  opposite.  They 
had  lost  faith  in  the  success  of  their  cause,  but  pride 
on  the  part  of  many  and  hatred  on  the  part  of  the 
leaders,  held  them  to  their  allegiance.  The  great 
majority,  however,  it  is  safe  to  say,  were  utterly  tired 
of  the  losing  contest.  Nowhere  was  this  more  appar 
ent  than  among  the  soldiers,  who  frequently  met  our 
own  on  the  picket  lines  in  the  intervals  of  fighting, 
when  the  subject  was  fully  and  freely  discussed  in  the 
most  friendly  manner  and  with  marked  effect  on  the 
enemy,  which  was  sure  to  bear  fruit.  These  stolen 
interviews  generally  ended  with  promises  on  the  part 
of  all  to  spare  each  other  if  they  met  in  battle.  Well 
might  angels  weep  over  the  stern  necessity  that  com- 


240  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

pelled  them  to  seek  each  other's  lives.  On  the  Atlanta 
campaign  desertions  had  been  numerous,  there  being 
2,438  reported  in  four  months.  But  while  the  rebel 
soldiers  were  heartily  tired  of  fighting  they  were  held 
back  by  a  pardonable  pride,  by  notions  of  honor  and 
other  considerations.  Said  an  old  Confederate  soldier 
to  the  writer:  "I  went  in  on  the  wave  of  excitement 
that  swept  the  South,  and  against  iny  judgment;  my 
neighbors  did  the  same.  I  was  at  Donelson,  Shiloh, 
and  all  through,  but  soon  saw  that  we  would  lose  in 
the  end.  But  I  was  in,  so  were  all  iny  relatives  and 
friends,  who  had  either  enlisted  voluntarily  or  had 
been  drafted.  Seeing  no  way  to  get  out  and  expect 
to  ever  have  again  the  respect  of  my*  old  neighbors,  I 
stayed."  This  man  reflected  the  feelings  of  thousands 
and  showed  that  he  was  honorable.  His  education,  cir 
cumstances  and  surroundings  compelled  him  to  be  a 
rebel  soldier.  But  the  worm  of  discontent  had  not  only 
worked  among  the  masses  of  unwilling  victims  before 
and  after  the  fall  of  Atlanta.  Many  rebel  leaders 
began  to  wreaken.  Governor  Brown,  of  Georgia,  was 
one  of  these,  and  when  Hood  fell  back  before  Sher 
man,  withdrew  the  State  Militia,  numbering  15,000 
men,  under  General  G.  W.  Smith.  He  made  the  plaus 
ible  pretext  of  its  being  necessary  in  order  that  the 
sorghum  crop  might  be  harvested,  but  it  was  known 
that  he  was  only  seeking  an  opportunity  to  save  Geor 
gia  from  further  damage.  However,  he  dared  not  take 
the  final  step  severing  further  relations  with -the  Con 
federacy.  Jefferson  Davis,  utterly  dismayed  by  the 
fall  of  Atlanta  and  rendered  desperate  by  the  condi 
tion  of  affairs,  made  a  visit  during  September  to  Geor 
gia  and  Hood's  army.  On  his  way  through  the  Con 
federacy,  he  foolishly,  as  usual,  indulged  in  speech- 
making  and  dropped  remarks  as  to  his  future  policy, 
that  w^ere  soon  reported  to  our  Government  and  to 
General  Sherman.  He  bitterly  assailed  Governor 
Brown  and  promised  everybody  in  Georgia  that  the 
steps  about  to  be  undertaken  would  result  in  the 
invader  being  driven  from  her  sacred  soil,  even  to  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  241 

Ohio  River.  His  insane  boasts  quickly  reached  our 
lines  and  put  General  Sherman  on  guard. 

Meantime,  Sherman's  armies  spent  the  month  of 
September  in  pleasant  camps  on  the  hills  around 
Atlanta,  engaged  in  recuperating  and  preparing  for 
another  campaign,  though  no  one  had  an  idea  as  to 
what  its  nature  would  be.  Sherman  Leland,  writing 
a  little  later  as  to  the  movements  of  the  One  Hundred 
and.  Fourth,  says:  "We  reached  our  new  camp  at 
Whitehall,  four  miles  from  Atlanta,  on  the  8th,  when 
all  became  busily  engaged  in  fixing  up  our  quarters 
after  the  long  and  arduous  campaign.  We  had  a  fine 
location  and  cabins  were  built  and  everything  in  good 
shape  in  a  week.  We  remained  here  until  October 
3d,  enjoying  the  rest  immensely.  During  this  time 
Captain  Leighton  and  Lieutenant  F.  M.  Sapp  resigned 
on  account  of  wounds  received  at  Chickainauga,  Cap 
tain  Porter,  of  Company  B,  was  transferred  to  become 
Colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-third  U.  S.  C. 
troops."  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had  begun  the 
campaign  in  May,  with  a  total  effective  strength  of 
two  hundred  and  ninety-six  officers  and  men.  The 
ranks  had  become  thinner  and  thinner  from  day  to  day. 
The  Regiment  had  lost  in  four  months  three  officers 
and  twenty-two  men  killed,  two  officers  and  seventy- 
one  men  wounded,  and  five  missing,  also  probably 
killed;  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  three,  or  thirty-five 
per  cent  of  the  whole  number.  It  had  been  under  fire 
one  hundred  days  during  the  campaign,  and  on  every 
occasion  had  acquitted  itself  with  honor.  On  the  5th 
of  September  the  Regiment  mustered  one  hundred  and 
seventy  men  and  thirteen  officers,  less  than  two  full 
companies,  but  equal  in  experience  and  discipline 
obtained  by  continual  service,  by  battles,  sieges, 
inarches  and  hardships,  to  a  full  regiment  of  new 
troops. 

Colonel  Hapeman,  in  making  -  his  report  of  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  says:  "I  cannot  close  this  report 
without  giving  credit  to  the  brave  officers  and  men  of 
the  command.  For  four  months  they  have  endured 


242  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  campaign,  and  have  always  behaved  themselves  in 
a  manner  worthy  the  name  of  American  soldiers.  Great 
credit  is  due  Major  Widmer  for  the  bravery  and  skill 
he  has  always  displayed  in  his  management  of  the 
skirmish  line.  The  loss  of  Captain  Doty,  Captain 
Kynearson  and  Captain  Fitzsimmons  is  deeply  felt  by 
the  Regiment.  They  were  gallant  officers,  and  loved 
and  respected  by  their  men." 

The  total  losses  in  Sherman's  armies  during  Au 
gust  and  September  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing 
amounted  to  5,139  men.  Hood's  losses  for  the  same 
period  were  7,443  men,  which  included  3,738  taken 
prisoners.  The  aggregate  Union  losses  in  the  cam 
paign  were  31,687  men.  Those  of  Johnston  and  Hood 
34,979  men,  as  determined  by  the  rebel  records. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Pursuit  of  Hood  and  Return  to  Atlanta. 


While  at  Atlanta  Colonel  Douglas  Hapeman  was 
ordered  to  assume  command  of  the  First  Brigade. 
General  Carlin  commanded  the  Division.  Colonel 
Hapeman  continued  in  command  until  November  8th, 
when  Colonel  Hobart,  Twenty-first  Wisconsin,  his 
senior,  succeeded  him.  The  term  of  service  of  several 
regiments  had  expired,  and  the  First  Brigade,  under 
Colonel  Hapeman,  began  the  next  campaign  with  the 
following  organizations,  commanded  as  follows:  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  Illinois,  Major  John  H.  Widmer; 
Forty-second  Indiana,  Captain  G.  R.  Kellams;  Eighty- 
eighth  Indiana,  Major  L.  J.  Blair;  Thirty-third  Ohio, 
Captain  Jos.  Hinson;  Ninety-fourth  Ohio,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  R.  P.  Hutchins;  Twenty-first  Wisconsin,  Cap 
tain  C.  H.  Walker.  The  entire  strength  of  Carlin's 
Division  on  September  20th  was  4,191  men,  all  veteran 
soldiers. 

Up  to  the  20th  of  September  Hood's  army  had 
remained  quietly  at  Lovejoy's,  about  twenty-five  miles 
from  Atlanta,  glad  enough  to  have  a  period  of  rest, 
while  its  leader  was  with  the  rebel  President  endeavor 
ing  to  solve  the  difficult  problem  of  how  to  begin  a 
new  campaign,  intended  to  regain  what  had  been  lost. 
It  was  an  exceedingly  knotty  question,  but  probably 
the  plan  agreed  upon  and  adopted  was  as  w^ise  as  any, 
in  view  of  the  desperate  condition  of  Confederate  affairs 
at  that  time.  However,  on  the  21st  the  rebel  army 
began  to  show  symptoms  of  being  much  alive,  as  it 
moved  on  that  date  toward  Sherman's  rear,  the 
infantry  reaching  Palmetto  Station  and  the  cavalry 
crossing  the  Chattahoochee.  This  gave  an  intimation 
as  to  Hood's  plans,  which  evidently  were  to  strike  first 


244  THE  ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Sherman's  line  of  communications  with  Chattanooga. 
His  plans  were  further  developed  when  on  the  24th 
General  Forrest  suddenly  appeared  with  eight  or  ten 
thousand  cavalry  before  Athens,  Alabama,  and  cap 
tured  the  small  garrison  there.  The  intention  to  raid 
in  the  rear  was  plain  and  Hood's  movement  correctly 
surmised.  President  Jeff.  Davis  appearing  in  Macon 
on  the  28th,  made  a  flaming  speech  still  further  reveal 
ing  what  any  man  of  sense  in  his  position  would  have 
concealed.  Within  twenty-four  hours  General  Sher 
man,  by  means  of  his  spies,  possessed  a  copy  of  that 
speech,  and  knew  that  Hood  proposed  to  march  for 
the  north,  hoping  thus  to  draw  him  and  his  armies 
away  from  Georgia  in  a  vain  pursuit  and  disastrous 
retreat,  Davis  having  been  rash  enough  to  promise  that 
only  the  retreat  of  the  great  Napoleon  from  Moscow 
would  bear  any  comparison  to  it.  Being  fully  satisfied 
by  October  1st  that  Hood's  army  was  across  the  Chat- 
tahoochee,  Sherman,  leaving  the  Twentieth  Corps  to 
hold  Atlanta,  put  the  rest  of  his  armies  in  motion  for 
the  rear  at  Marietta,  conjecturing  that  Hood  was  aim 
ing  for  his  railroad,  which  proved  to  be  true.  There 
were  numerous  garrisons  along  this  road  and  before 
this  date  Newton's  Division  had  been  sent  to  Chat 
tanooga  and  Corse's  to  Rome,  while  all  the  command 
ers  at  important  points  had  been  put  on  guard.  Mor 
gan's  Division  and  General  Thomas  left  for  Chatta 
nooga  on  the  29th  as  a  further  precaution  against  what 
was  anticipated.  Hapeman's  Brigade  and  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  struck  tents  on  October  3d,  and 
marching  in  a  heavy  rain  reached  and  crossed  the  Chat- 
tahoochee,  bivouacking  at  midnight  near  Yining's  Sta 
tion.  The  boys  will  never  forget  that  first  night  spent 
without  fires  because  they  would  not  burn.  The  com 
fortable  quarters  left'  near  Atlanta  in  the  morning 
seemed  like  palaces.  This  was  only  the  initiative  in 
many  long  months  of  almost  continuous  marching  for 
more  than  a  thousand  miles,  but  it  was  the  first  step  in 
the  final  grand  march  that  swept  to  the  sea,  the  irre 
sistible  waves  of  which  it  resembled,  and  like  them 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  245 

was  not  stayed  until  having  swept  northward  through 
wide  states  like  an  avalanche,  there  were  no  longer  any 
rebel  armies  to  oppose,  no  rebellion  to  conquer. 

General  Sherman  had  for  active  operations  about 
sixty-five  thousand  men,  Hood  about  forty  thousand 
as  estimated.  Many  changes  had  occurred  of  late 
among  the  officers.  "  General  J.  D.  Cox  commanded 
the  Army  of  the  Ohio.  General  Thomas  having  gone 
to  Chattanooga,  General  D.  S.  Stanley  was  the  senior 
Major-General  of  the  Fourth  and  Fourteenth  Corps. 
Logan  and  Blair  being  north,  their  Corps  were  com 
manded  by  Generals  Osterhaus  and  T.  E.  G.  Ransom, 
the  latte/a  La  Salle  County  man,  who  had  gone  out 
as  Major  of  the  famous  old  Eleventh,  and  had  acquired 
distinction  as  a  leader  and  fighter,  but  alas!  in  a  few 
days  more  he  was  obliged  to  yield  to  the  conqueror 
of  "all,  the  only  foe  he  ever  feared,  which  in  the  guise 
of  insidious  disease,  ended  his  life  on  this  march.  The 
march  was  resumed  on  the  4th  toward  Kenesaw,  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  making  some  ten  miles  that 
day.  Sherman  had  signaled  via  Kenesaw  to  General 
Corse  at  Rome  to  march  at  once  to  the  relief  of  Alla- 
toona  which  was  held  at  the  time  by  a  small  command 
and  was  believed  by  Sherman  to  be  one  objective  of 
the  enemy.  General  Corse  fortunately  arrived  in  time 
on  the  4th  and  on  the  5th  made  the  defense  of  that 
place  forever  memorable.  On  the  latter  date  Allatoona 
was  attacked  by  French's  Division,  but  unsuccessfully 
and  with  heavy  loss  to  the  rebels.  General  Sherman, 
who  was  on  the  heights  of  Kenesaw,  eighteen  miles 
distant,  signaled  assistance  and  to  hold  on.  There 
was  great  anxiety  as  to  the  result,  but  in  the  afternoon 
the  smoke  and  signs  of  battle  had  died  away,  and  Sher 
man  received  a  signal  message  that  the  enemy  had  been 
repulsed.  Later  General  Corse  dispatched  as  follows: 
"I  am  short  a  cheekbone  and  an  ear,  but  am  able  to 
whip  all  h — 11  yet.  My  losses  are  very  heavy,  etc." 
With  nineteen  hundred  men  Corse  had  repulsed  and 
severely  handled  a  whole  rebel  division,  five  thousand 
strong.  The  Union  loss  was  707 -men  killed,  wounded 


246  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

and  missing.  General  Corse  reported  231  rebel  dead 
and  four  hundred  and  eleven  prisoners.  The  number 
of  wounded  was  not  known.  Three  battle  flags  were 
captured.  Meantime  Hood  marched  on  and  invested 
Resaca  on  the  12th,  French's  Division  acting  as  rear 
guard.  Other  points  were  attacked,  but  only  a  few 
minor  ones  captured..  Sherman  followed  rapidly,  but 
was  unable  to  overtake  Hood,  who,  in  fact,  had  greater 
objects  in  view  than  weakening  his  army  in  fruitless 
and  costly  attacks  on  our  well  fortified  and  bravely 
defended  positions.  On  the  5th  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  bivouacked  one  mile  from  Marietta,  and  march 
ing  nearly  to  Big  Shanty  on  the  6th,  built  some  light 
breastworks  on  a  high  hill  near  a  pass  which  it  was 
detailed  to  guard.  Here  it  remained  until  the  8th  at 
noon,  when  the  march  was  resumed  and  continued 
until  within  two  miles  of  Ackworth,  where  a  halt  was 
made.  The  9th  was  spent  in  camp. 

General  Sherman,  who  had  been  contemplating  the 
situation  and  knew  that  all  Georgia  now  lay  open  to 
invasion,  telegraphed  on  the  9th  to  General  Thomas, 
then  at  Nashville,  of  his  intention  to  march  for  the 
sea  coast,  leaving  him  to  take  care  of  Hood  and  his 
army.  At  the  same  time  he  dispatched  General  Grant 
to  the  same  effect.  While  awaiting  an  answer  and 
permission,  he  heard  on  the  10th  of  Hood's  appearance 
below  Rome,  and  turned  his  own  armies  towards  Kings 
ton.  On  the  evening  of  that  date  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  left  camp  and  marching  all  night  camped 
beyond  the  Etowah  River  for  a  few  hours.  The  weather 
had  turned  cold  and  hardly  wood  enough  could  be 
obtained  to  make  coffee.  The  men  were  without  blank 
ets  and  suffered  greatly.  However,  at  seven  of  the  llth 
the  Regiment  started  and  moving  on  all  day,  reached 
Kingston  at  night,  where  it  went  into  bivouac  one  mile 
west  of  the  town  in  a  pine  grove.  Here  rations  were 
issued  and  a  large  mail  from  the  north  received,  which 
restored  the  spirits  of  the  boys  to  their  usual  standard. 
General  Sherman  again  repeated  his  requests  to  be 
allowed  to  make  the  march  to  the  sea.  Hood  failing 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  247 

to  obtain  the  surrender  of  Resaca  moved  off  west  and 
disappeared.  Sherman  continued  to  follow,  coming  up 
with  a  portion  of  the  rebel  army  at  Ship's  Gap  on  the 
16th,  when  General  C.  R.  Wood's  Division  charged  and 
carried  the  gap,  taking  as  prisoners  the  Twenty-fourth 
South  Carolina  Regiment.  Howard  was  pushed 
through  Snake  Creek  Gap.  Thomas  meantime  had 
learned  that  Hood  was  near  La  Fayette.  This  news 
caused  great  excitement  in  the  North,  and  even  General 
Grant  seemed  to  be  disturbed,  but  it  had  the  good 
effect  of  hastening  forward  all  the  new  recruits  and 
detached  regiments  to  Thomas  for  use  against  Hood's 
invasion.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  leaving  camp 
on  the  evening  of  the  13th,  arrived  within  a  few  miles 
of  Rome  at  midnight  and  bivouacked.  On  the  14th 
Calhoun  was  reached  at  noon  and  Resaca  in  the  even 
ing.  The  next  day,  the  15th,  the  Regiment  crossed 
the  Oostenaula  and  bivouacked  at  night  near  the  Chat- 
tooga  Mountains.  The  march  of  the  17th  was  a  weary 
one  by  a  mere  bridle  path  which  was  very  steep,  over 
the  mountain.  About  noon  the  Regiment  came  into 
Snake  Creek  Gap  as  the  Twenty -third  Corps  was  pass 
ing  through.  Moving  on,  a  halt  was  made  at  Taylor's 
Ridge.  Some  of  the  boys  were  revisiting  the  scenes 
of  their  exploits  five  months  before,  but  a  large  num 
ber  had  gone  to  the  camping  grounds  be.yond  the  vale! 
There  was  a  scarcity  of  rations  on  the  17th,  and  parched 
corn  was  in  demand.  However,  being  sent  on  picket  at 
Dick's  Mountain,  Company  H  levied  on  some  sorghum 
and  beans  and  the  supper  was  enjoyed. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  took  up  the  march 
again  on  the  18th,  crossing  Taylor's  Ridge  and  advanc 
ing  toward  La  Fayette.  A  distant  view  was  had  of 
Lookout  Point  at  Chattanooga,  thirty-five  miles  away. 
This  sight  caused  cheers  and  brought  back  many  thrill 
ing  memories.  At  night  the  Regiment  bivouacked 
by  the  road.  Sherman  Leland  relates  the  following 
good,  true  and  reliable  story  as  to  an  occurrence  here: 
"A  certain  Quartermaster  in  the  Brigade,  well  known 
to  all  the  boys,  lay  down  some  time  after  dark  to  sleep. 


248  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Having  presumably  taken  one  good  snooze  he  suddenly 
awakened,  and  feeling  cold,  also  observing  the  inoon 
just  rising  above  the  eastern  hills,  he  called  out  to  his 
negro  servant:  'Alec,  Alec!  move  that  fire  up  nearer 
my  feet!7  The  shout  of  laughter  that  greeted  him 
brought  back  his  senses,  but  fair  Luna  continued  to 
move  on  in  her  accustomed  course." 

General  Sherman  had  a  few  days  previous  secured 
a  half  consent  from  the  authorities  at  Washington  to 
his  project  of  a  campaign  through  Georgia,  it  being 
understood  that  General  Thomas  was  to  be  left  in 
charge  of  Sherman's  vast  department  to  the  north. 
Hood's  army  had  moved  to  the  vicinity  of  Gadsden, 
Alabama,  in  the  meantime,  and  our  armies  followed., 
Of  the  movement  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  on 
the  20th  Leland  says:  "Drew  three  days'  rations  and 
passing  through  Chattoogaville,  a  miserable  place  of 
a  few  houses,  near  a  bridge,  we  crossed  the  line  into 
Alabama,  and  camped  near  Gaylesville.  Here,  rest 
ing  from  our  recent  toilsome  marches,  we  lived  on  the 
fat  of  the  land,  enjoying  greatly  the  change  from  army 
rations  to  the  food  of  civil  life.  Hogs,  sheep  and  sweet 
potatoes  were  abundant  in  this  valley.  The  Third 
Division  ran  two  mills  and  all  were  supplied  with  an 
abundance  of  corn  meal,  hard-tack  taking  a  back  seat 
for  a  time."  October  29th  it  was  learned  that  Hood 
had  appeared  before  Decatur,  Alabama,  and  endeav 
ored  to  capture  the  post.  Not  succeeding  and  being 
short  of  supplies,  he  withdrew  and  nearly  a  month 
later  crossed  the  Tennessee  at  Florence.  Sherman  hav 
ing  fully  determined  to  carry  out  his  plan,  the  armies 
were  put  in  motion  on  the  28th  for  Atlanta.  That 
General  Thomas  might  be  fully  prepared  to  cope  with 
Hood,  the  Fourth  Corps,  under  Stanley,  was  sent  to 
him  at  once,  and  a  few  days  later  General  Schofield, 
with  the  Twenty-third  Corps.  These,  with  the  raw 
troops  in  Nashville  and  several  divisions  at  other  points, 
together  with  many  garrisons  withdrawn  from  the  rail 
road  between  Chattanooga  and  Atlanta,  satisfied  Gen 
eral  Thomas  that  he  would  have  sufficient  forces  to  meet 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  249 

Hood.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  breaking  camp 
on  the  28th,  and  crossing  the  Chattooga,  marched  three 
miles  on  the  Rome  road  and  bivouacked  for  the  night. 
On  the  29th  the  Regiment  marched  twenty  miles  and 
reached  Rome.  During  the  day  the  house  was  passed 
where  General  Ransom  lay  dying,  guarded  by  a  detail 
of  the  Fifty-third  (LaSalle  County)  Regiment.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  remained  in  Rome  three  days  and 
was  made' glad  by  the  receipt  of  three  months'  pay. 

It  was  now  known  among  the  boys  that  they  were 
to  go  south  instead  of  north,  a  plan  that  met  with 
their  hearty  approbation.  On  November  2nd  Sherman's 
headquarters  were  at  Kingston,  and  his  four  army 
corps,  with  a  division  of  cavalry,  were  strung  along 
the  road  from  Rome  to  Atlanta.  On  this  date  he 
received  a  dispatch  from  General  Grant  "to  go,"  and 
from  this  hour  every  energy  was  bent  to  the  object  in 
view.  The  railroad  torn  up  by  Hood  was  put  in  run 
ning  order  and  taxed  to  its  utmost  to  remove  surplus 
stores  of  all  kinds  from  Atlanta  to  the  rear.  The  sick 
and  wounded  were  sent  back  to  Chattanooga,  which 
was  to  be  held.  The  army  was  put  in  shape  for  rapid 
marching.  The  wagon  trains  repaired  and  their  num 
ber  reduced  to  the  minimum.  Sherman  proposed  to 
live  on  the  country  after  leaving  Atlanta,  which  city 
was  to  be  made  untenable  and  left  to  mourn  its  deso 
lation.  The  railroads  were  to  be  destroyed  north  for 
fifty  miles  and  the  country  laid  waste.  The  idea  of 
the  "March  to  the  sea"  was  Sherman's  own  and  may 
be  called  an  inspiration.  He  first  conceived  it  when 
Hood  began  his  movement  over  the  Chattahoochee,  and 
while  General  Grant,  President  Lincoln  and  others,  to 
whom  he  broached  the  subject,  doubted,  he  never 
receded,  but  clung  to  it  persistently  from  day  to  day, 
until  Grant,  his  superior,  acquiesced.  General  Sher 
man  knew  the  uselessness  of  his  following  Hood  after 
he  had  reached  Gaylesville.  Previously  he  had  cher 
ished  some  hopes  of  overtaking  Hood  in  such  a  posi 
tion  that  he  would  be  obliged  to  stand  and  fight. 
Leland  says:  "There  is  a  report  in  camp  that  General 


250  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Sherman  sent  the  following  characteristic  message  to 
General  Hood  by  General  Young,  a  rebel  officer  cap 
tured  at  Atlanta:  "Tell  Hood  that  I  am  tired  of  fol 
lowing  him  up  and  want  him  to  stop  and  fight.  Let 
him  throw  away  his  picks  and  spades  and  we  will  do 
the  same.  Let  him  choose  his  ground  and  I  will  thrash 
him,  but  if  he  will  not  do  that  I  will  meet  him  alone 
and  whip  him.  But  tell  him  also,  if  he  persists  in  run 
ning  away  I'll  make  a  perfect  hell  of  this  country.' " 
The  late  Frederick  G.  McLain,  of  Company  K,  thus 
wrote  in  regard  to  Sherman's  plan.  He  says:  "The 
first  intimation  we  had  of  the  intended  movement  came 
to  us  in  the  Chattooga  Valley,  but  nothing  definite 
was  known  until  about  the  time  we  left  Kingston  to 
concentrate  at  Atlanta.  From  the  day  we  entered  that 
city  until  we  started,  the  question  was  discussed  by 
the  boys.  Beauregard  away  down  in  Alabama  was 
probably  chuckling  over  the  game  he  had  put  up  on 
Sherman  by  sending  Hood  north  to  transfer  the  seat 
of  war  again  to  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  But  Sher 
man  was  equally  happy,  no  doubt,  when  he  turned 
from  the  pursuit  of  Hood  to  march  to  the  sea.  Just 
think  of  it!  The  gallant  Hood  and  his  army  ignored 
by  Sherman  and  left  to  be  taken  care  of  by  old  'Papr 
Thomas  with  one  small  corps  aided  by  some  squads  of 
green  recruits  and  negro  soldiers!  No  doubt  Thomas 
will  give  them  pleasant  entertainment." 

On  November  2nd  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
marched  for  and  arrived  at  Kingston,  remaining  there 
until  the  12th.  Adjutant  K.  C.  Stevens,  who  had  been 
home  on  leave  of  absence,  returned  on  the  4th,  bring 
ing  letters  for  the  boys.  Captain  Ross,  of  Company  B, 
returned  with  him,  having  recovered  from  his  wound 
received  at  Mission  Ridge.  The  Regiment  received 
orders  to  prepare  for  active  campaigning  and  all  sur 
plus  articles  or  any  regarded  as  such  were  to  be  taken 
to  the  rear.  Colonel  H.  C.  Hobart,  Twenty-first  Wis 
consin,  assumed  command  of  the  First  Brigade  on  the 
9th  by  virtue  of  seniority.  The  Colonel  was  well  known 
to  the  writer,  both  having  been  captured  at  Chicka- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  251 

mauga,  and  put  in  Libby  Prison  at  the  same  time.  The 
former  escaped  through  the  famous  "hole"  and  re 
turned  to  his  command.  The  latter  escaping  later,  was 
quite  surprised  to  again  meet  Colonel  I-Iobart  and  in 
command  of  the  First  Brigade.  The  meeting,  which 
occurred  in  North  Carolina  w^hile  the  army  lay  in  front 
of  Johnston,  was  pleasant.  The  writer  remembers 
being  offered  a  position  on  his  Staff,  but  declined.  He 
also  wishes  that  he  had  declined  some  "old  commis 
sary,"  which  he  believes  was  surer  to  kill  than  bullets_ 
The  movement  to  Atlanta  began  on  the  10th  from 
Kingston.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  left  on  the 
12th  and  marched  to  Cartersville  and  camped  along 
the  railroad  on  the  edge  of  the  town.  The  depot  here 
being  filled  with  rations,  the  wagons  were  loaded  to 
their  full  capacity,  also  the  haversacks  and  knapsacks 
of  the  men.  The  depot  and  town  were  then  burned. 
There  was  such  a  superabundance  of  hard-tack  that 
the  First  Brigade  and  another,  forming  in  line  on 
opposite  sides  of  the  railroad-cut  had  a  battle 
which  caused  much  merriment.  At  Cartersville 
communication  with  the  north  was  severed.  Gen 
eral  Sherman  received  here  his  ]ast  dispatch,  and 
from  General  Thomas,  who  bade  him  God-speed.  The 
wires  were  cut  as  he  was  replying.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  marching  again  on  the  13th,  crossed  the 
Etowah,  as  the  bridge  and  railroad  were  being 
destroyed,  and  passing  Allatoona,  began  tearing  up  and 
destroying  the  track  by  burning.  The  whole  of  Car- 
lin's  Division  was  engaged  in  this  work  until  late  at 
night,  when  sixteen  miles  had  been  ruined  beyond 
repair.  The  Regiment  bivouacked  some  time  in  the 
night  at  Big  Shanty,  and  resuming  the  march  early 
on  the  14th,  soon  reached  Marietta,  once  a  beautiful 
village,  now  a  mass  of  ruins,  having  been  burned  by 
troops  in  the  advance.  At  night  the  Chattahoochee 
was  reached. 

Sherman  Leland  says  in  regard  to  the  15th:  "Cross 
ing  the  river  we  arrived  in  Atlanta  soon  after  noon,  and 
passing  on  through  streets  already  warm  with  the 


252  THE  ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

destroying  flames,  camped  a  mile  outside  the  city.  The 
wagon  of  the  Regiment  was  sent  back  in  haste  for  the 
baggage  and  valuable  papers  of  the  Regiment,  and 
arrived  just  in  time  to  remove  them  from  the  back  end 
of  the  building  while  the  front  was  burning.  All  that 
day  the  air  was  rent  with  explosions  of  stone  buildings 
used  as  storehouses  by  the  rebels  for  ammunition  and 
supplies.  By  evening  the  entire  business  part  of  the 
city  was  on  tire,  the  flames  lighting  up  the  sky  in  awful 
grandeur,  while  exploding  shells  added  to  the  confusion 
and  chaos  of  ruin." 

Sergeant  McLaiu  says:  "The  Twentieth  Corps 
began  the  destruction  of  Atlanta  and  was  relieved  by 
the  Fifteenth  Corps  which  was  burning  the  place  when 
we  arrived  there.  But  some  of  the  Twentieth,  With  a 
desire  to  destroy  everything  and  fearful  that  some  old 
rebel's  property  would  be  saved,  acting  on  the  impulse 
of  the  moment,  returned  to  Atlanta  and  set  fire  in 
many  places.  Our  own  ammunition  was  saved  with 
difficulty  by  the  exertions  of  our  soldiers.  Several  gen 
eral  officers  were  there,  but  they  stood  back  and  said 
nothing,  allowing  the  soldiers  to  pursue  their  own 
course." 

Captain  Strawn  writes  in  regard  to  the  pursuit  of 
Hood  and  return  to  Atlanta:  "Having  followed  Hood 
on  his  way  to  the  total  annihilation  of  his  army  at  the 
hands  of  Tap'  Thomas,  and  having  given  him  a  good 
send  off  as  far  as  Alabama,  Sherman  halted  his  army 
and  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  boys  found  them 
selves  in  clover,  so  to  speak,  when  the  Chattooga  Val 
ley  was  reached.  Neither  army  had  apparently  been 
here  before  and  there  was  an  abundance  of  all  kinds  of 
forage  for  man  and  beast.  The  men  welcomed  the 
change  from  salt  pork  and  hard-tack  to  such  luxuries 
as  corn  meal,  fowls,  mutton,  sweet  potatoes,  etc.  Many 
gorged  themselves  to  the  extent  that  they  subsequently 
regretted  it.  And  some,  in  consequence,  becoming  sick 
were  a  few  days  later  sent  to  Nashville,  thereby  miss 
ing  the  march  to  the  sea.  After  remaining  near  Gayles- 
ville  a  week  the  army  was  suddenly  ordered  to  move 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

back  toward  Atlanta,  going  first  to  Rome.  We  soon 
began  the  work  of  destroying  the  railroads  and  bridges, 
which  proceeding  astonished  the  people  of  the  country 
greatly.  Marietta  was  a  mass  of  ruins.  Entering  At 
lanta  on  the  15th  we  found  the  city  burning,  the  flames 
illuminating  the  whole  heavens  in  the  evening.  Amidst 
the  pandemonium  caused  by  the  flames,  the  yells  of  the 
soldiery,  the  explosion  of  shells  and  ammunition,  we 
moved  on  to  our  camp  in  the  suburbs,  to  prepare  for 
what  all  believed  was  to  be  a  campaign  to  the  sea,  but 
no  one  with  certainty  could  name  the  point  toward 
which  we  were  to  march." 

Thus  within  three  days  after  communication  had 
been  severed  with  the  north,  Sherman's  army  began 
another  remarkable  campaign  that  was  to  become 
world  famous;  a  topic  of  study  and  discussion  among 
military  men;  the  theme  of  the  historian  and  poet,  and 
the  wonder  of  our  own  people,  north  and  south.  As 
events  proved,  it  was  the  final  one  undertaken  by  any 
great  army  on  either  side  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion. 
As  a  croAvning  glory  it  was  to  culminate  in  the  sur 
render  of  the  last  Confederate  army  of  any  size,  com 
manded  by  the  very  general  whom  Davis  in  his  rage 
had  dismissed  and  denounced  a  few  months  before 
because  he  could  not  accomplish  the  impossible,  yet 
in  the  hour  of  sorest  distress  was  obliged  to  call  again 
to  his  aid.  Joseph  E.  Johnston  was,  after  Lee,  the 
ablest  of  the  Confederate  generals.  In  this  long  cam 
paign  the  major  part  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
wras  so  ?ortunate  as  to  be  a  participant.  The  numbers 
were  small,  less  than  two  companies  when  filled  to  the 
limit.  There  wrere,  however,  many  of  the  boys  who  from 
sickness  or  wounds  had  been  sent  to  the  rear  at  Nash 
ville,  and  there  did  good  service  in  helping  to  repel 
Hood's  invasion,  and  for  these  who  again  fought  under 
their  old  and  loved  commander,  General  Thomas,  there 
was  equal  satisfaction  in  the  thought  that  they  were 
in  the  battle  of  Nashville,  which  utterly  ruined  Hood 
and  his  army,  while  adding  new  laurels  to  the  fame  of 
their  commander.  Some  of  bur  boys  were  also  at  this 


254  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

time  prisoners  of  war  and  enduring  all  the  torments 
of  the  rebel  prison  hells.  A  few  died,  others  escaped  or 
were  finally  exchanged.  The  writer,  while  following 
the  glorious  career  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  in 
new  fields  of  honor  and  watching  its  battle-torn  flag 
waving  over  Savannah  and  Bentonville  in  the  final  acts 
of  the  grand  drama  of  war,  will  endeavor  not  to  lose 
sight  of  any  of  our  men,  who,  wherever  they  were, 
helped  to  gain  the  ultimate  result,  victory  and  peace; 
the  gratitude  of  the  Nation,  honor  imperishable;  and 
above  all,  the  quiet,  perfect  satisfaction  of  having  faith 
fully  contributed  in  some  degree  to  preserve  their 
Nation  and  Government  in  all  its  integrity  for  millions 
jet  unborn. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


The  March  from  Atlanta  to  the  Sea— Siege  and  Pall  of  Savannah. 


The  army  selected  by  General  Sherman  for  the  fur 
ther  invasion  and  conquest  of  Georgia  and  other  states, 
was  composed  of  the  Fourteenth,  Fifteenth,  Seven 
teenth  and  Twentieth  Army  Corps,  and  one  division 
of  cavalry,  of  two  brigades,  commanded  by  General 
Kilpatrick.  The  army  divided  into  two  \vings,the  right 
and  left,  was  commanded  respectively  by  Generals 
Howard  and  Slocum.  There  were  thirteen  divisions. 
Generals  Osterhaus  and  Blair  commanded  the  Fifteenth 
and  Seventeenth  Corps,  Generals  Davis  and  Williams 
•commanded  the  Fourteenth  and  Twentieth  Corps.  The 
generals  commanding  divisions  were:  C.  R.  Woods, 
W.  B.  Hazen,  John  E.  Smith,  John  M.  Corse,  J.  A. 
Mower,  M.  D.  Leggett,  Giles  A.  Smith,  W.  P.  Carlin, 
James  D.  Morgan,  A.  Baird,  N.  J.  Jackson,  John  W. 
Geary  and  W.  T.  Ward.  The  artillery  had  been  reduced 
to  sixty-five  guns.  The  total  strength  amounted  to 
55,329  infantry,  5,063  cavalry,  1,812  artillery,  all  equal 
to  62,204  men.  The  wagon  train  had  been  reduced  to 
about  twenty-five  hundred  wagons,  divided  equally 
between  the  four  corps,  and  these  were  drawn  by  fif 
teen  thousand  mules.  There  were  also  six  hundred 
ambulances  drawn  by  twelve  hundred  horses.  The 
total  number  of  animals  to  be  fed  in  the  country 
marched  through  was,  including  cavalry  and  mounted 
officers'  and  orderlies'  horses,  about  twenty-four 
thousand,  and  as  there  was  only  forage  on  hand 
for  three  days,  the  enemy's  corn  cribs  and  fodder 
stacks  were  likely  to  suffer  at  once.  The  army 
was  to  subsist  on  the  supplies  found  in  the  coun 
try.  General  Sherman  issued  a  special  order  on  the 
9th  of  November  designed  to  regulate  the  order  of 


256  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

march,  the  manner  of  foraging,  and  the  kinds  of  prop 
erty  which  might  be  taken.  He  also  gave  power  to  the- 
corps  commanders  as  to  the  destruction  of  property, 
such  as  mills,  factories,  etc.,  likely  to  be  used  by  the 
enemy,  and  ordered  that  there  should  be  no  wanton 
destruction  of  anything,  and  a  proper  discrimination 
made  between  the  rich  and  the  poor,  as  the  former  were 
generally  hostile,  while  the  latter  were  friendly,  at 
least  neutral.  The  regular  foraging  was  to  be  done 
each  day  by  details  from  each  brigade  under  proper 
officers.  While  in  camp  the  soldiers  were  to  be  permit 
ted  to  gather  vegetables,  etc.,  within  reach,  but  not  to 
go  any  distance  away.  They  were  forbidden  to  enter 
dwellings  or  to  commit  any  trespass.  The  regular 
details  were  to  provide  the  provisions  and  forage.  As 
an  influx  of  slaves  was  likely  to  follow,  they  were  not 
to  be  encouraged.  There  were  also  provisions  made 
for  pioneer  battalions  to  make  roads  and  bridges,  a 
most  important  matter  as  soon  as  the  flat  country  of 
Georgia  should  be  reached.  General  Sherman  provided 
in  short  for  every  possible  contingency,  and  adopted 
every  precaution  to  insure  success  in  his  novel  and 
bold  campaign  through  the  heart  of  the  rebel  Confed 
eracy. 

On  November  15th,  the  Fifteenth,  Seventeenth  and 
Twentieth  Corps  began  the  march  southeast  and  east 
by  different  routes  for  the  purpose  of  misleading  the 
enemy  as  to  the  real  destination,  which  was  first  Mil- 
ledgeville,  the  capital  of  Georgia.  These  movements 
gave  the  appearance  of  threatening  both  Augusta  and 
Macon,  and  it  was  an  object  to  keep  the  enemy  in  doubt 
until  the  one  hundred  miles  to  the  rebel  capital  was 
covered.  General  Sherman  remained  with  the  Four 
teenth  Corps  in  Atlanta  until  the  16th.  On  that  date 
at  eight  o'clock  a.  m.  the  last  of  the  army  left  the 
doomed  city.  All  four  corps  were  then  moving  south 
ward  on  as  many  roads  to  a  common  objective.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  to  a  place  called 
Lithonia,  east  from  Atlanta,  and  bivouacked  there  in 
sight  of  Stone  Mountain.  The  Regiment  had  the 


REGIMENT  IL  LINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  257 

advance  and  General  Sherman  rode  along  by  its  side 
or  in  the  rear,  most  of  the  day,  thus  giving  the  boys 
a  fine  opportunity  to  study  "Uncle  Billy,"  as  he  was 
now  called.  Sherman  Leland  says  in  regard  to  this: 
"We  had  three  views  of  him,  as  all  will  recollect,  first, 
sitting  on  the  porch  of  a  Hog  cabin,  the  humble  abode  of 
a  Georgia  'cracker/  where  we  had  halted  to  rest,  a  cigar 
in  his  mouth,  while  beside  him  sat  one  of  the  female 
'poor  white  trash/  puffing  away  at  her  corn-cob  pipe. 
We  soon  after  passed  by  with  as  straight  faces  as  pos 
sible  and  about  noon  halted  for  dinner.  The  General 
and  Staff  passed  us,  and  as  we  moved  on  after  dinner 
we  saw  him  sitting  on  the  door  steps  of  another  cabin 
eating  his  crackers  and  meat  from  his  fingers.  The 
third  time  we  saw  him  sitting  in  the  passageway  be 
tween  the  two  ends  of  a  cabin;  a  dozen  or  two  negroes 
standing  around  and  staring  at  him  in  wonder  and 
awe."  These  plain,  familiar  w&ys  of  General  Sherman 
were  well  calculated  to  gain  for  him  the  confidence 
and  respect  of  his  soldiers,  who  knew  that  he  had 
always  studied  their  interests  and  comfort  so  far  as 
he  could  and  had  been  careful  not  to  have  their  lives 
needlessly  sacrificed  in  battle.  This  first  day's  march 
was  entered  into  with  great  spirit  by  all  the  army. 
The  majority  believed  they  wTere  going  to  Richmond 
to  help  out  Grant,  who  did  not  seem  to  be  making 
much  progress.  The  weather  was  clear  and  perfect 
and  the  wrought-up  expectations  of  the  men  found 
expression  in  mirth  and  song,  "Old  John  Brown"  and 
other  popular  pieces  being  sung  with  a  vim  that  must 
have  had  an  effect,  pleasant  or  otherwise,  on  the  natives 
of  the  country,  white  and  black. 

On  the  17th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  reached 
Converts  Station  in  time  for  dinner.  Leland  says  that 
an  old  lady  was  seen  here  who  allowed  that  she  had 
done  running  away  from  the  Yankees,  for  this  w^as  the 
sixth  time,  the  first  being  from  Kentucky,  and  now 
she  reckoned  she  would  let  them  go  first.  In  the  after 
noon  the  Division  was  employed  in  tearing  up  and 
destroying  the  railroad  for  five  miles.  This  work  was 


268  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

thoroughly  done,  the  rails  being  heated  and  then 
twisted  around  trees  with  tongs  made  for  the  purpose. 
At  midnight  the  Kegiment  camped  on  Yellow  Kiver. 
No  forage  was  to  be  had  on  the  16th,  but  the  foragers 
came  in  on  the  17th,  with  an  abundance  of  sweet  pota 
toes  and  some  fresh  pork.  Some  negroes  now  began 
to  flock  in.  Captain  Strawn  gives  his  observations  and 
experience  as  follows  in  regard  to  them:  "The  second 
day  several  negroes  came  up,  a  few  old  infirm  men, 
besides  women  and  children.  I  was  on  picket  and  dur 
ing  the  night  a  party  consisting  of  a  man  and  his  fam 
ily  arrived.  I  tried  to  reason  with  him,  telling  him 
that  we  would  have  all  that  we  could  do  to  take  care 
of  ourselves,  he  had  better  stay  at  home  and  raise 
something  to  live  on.  But  all  to  no  purpose.  He 
seemed  to  realize  that  in  starting  to  follow  us  his  mas 
ter  would  never  pardon  him.  Go  he  must,  and  did. 
Whether  he  and  his  family  lived  to  follow  us  to  Savan 
nah  and  were  cared  for  by  the  Government,  1  do  not 
know.  It  is  a  fact  that  when  we  reached  Savannah 
there  were  between  nine  and  ten  thousand  who  had 
followed  in  our  wake  and  w^ere  cared  for  by  the  Gov 
ernment.  My  attention  was  attracted  later  to  another 
group.  It  was  made  up  of  a  woman  of  some  thirty  odd 
years,  who  had  a  bundle  as  large  as  a  wash  tub  on  her 
head  and  a  pickaninny  in  her  arms  a  few  months  old; 
another  perhaps  a  year  old  was  strapped  on  her  back, 
and  three  others  were  trotting  along  beside  her,  the 
eldest  a  boy  some  ten  years  old.  As  they  passed  by 
where  Adjutant  Stevens  sat  on  his  horse,  he  asked  the 
boy  where  they  wrere  going.  He  replied,  'To  Savan 
nah,  sah!?  What  spirit  led  him  and  other  negroes  to 
guess  thus  correctly  our  destination?  This  was  a  ques 
tion  that  puzzled  all  of  us  at  that  time.  In  looking  at 
that  group  and  others,  apparently  so  unprepared  for 
such  a  journey,  we  could  not  but  think  of  the  old  chest 
nut  in  the  mouth  of  every  pro-slavery  man  in  the 
North:  'What  do  vou  want  to  free  the  niggers  for? 

C1  ^<"> 

you  could  not  hire  them  to  leave  their  masters.'  Here 
were  women  and  children,  from  infancy  to  extreme  old 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  25fr 

age,  starting  on  a  journey  of  months'  duration,  hoping 
for  freedom  at  the  end.  Orders  were  issued  that  they 
were  not  to  be  allowed  to  encumber  our  march,  but 
if  they  kept  in  the  rear  and  did  their  own  foraging, 
they  were  not  to  be  molested.  Their  numbers  con 
tinuously  increased  day  by  day  and  night  by  night 
during  our  march.  In  the  north,  with  few  rivers  to 
cross  and  no  interminable  swamps  to  wade  through, 
a  journey  -might  be  made  in  a  pleasant  season  of  the 
year,  camping  out  and  with  comparative  comfort,  but 
here  was  a  motley  crew  of  old  and  infirm  and  little 
children,  setting  out  in  the  midst  of  winter,  not  cold, 
of  course,  but  very  chilly  at  night,  so  much  so  that 
our  own  soldiers  frequently  took  turns  in  keeping  up 
fires.  These  helpless  creatures  had  full  faith  that  to> 
follow  us  meant  for  them  freedom!  While  to  return, 
or  be  captured,  meant  death!  That  this  was  their 
thought  was  evidenced  on  a  certain  occasion  when  I 
was  present.  The  incident  occurred  at  the  crossing  of 
the  Ebeneezer  River,  a  deep  but  narrow  stream.  For 
some  reason  the  pontoons  were  ordered  to  be  taken 
up  when  the  army  had  crossed.  The  practice  had  been 
to  leave  then  down  until  our  black  followers  were  safely 
over.  The  negroes  began  to  arrive  and  seized  with  dis 
may,  plunged  into  the  stream,  alleging  that  the  rebel 
cavalry  were  not  far  behind  and  that  they  would  all 
be  killed.  Their  pitiable  condition  and  the  certainty 
that  large  numbers  would  be  drowned,  induced  our 
soldiers  to  fell  trees  across  the  stream  for  them  to  cross- 
on.  However,  some  were  drowned.  It  is  also  certain 
that  many  of  the  old  and  infirm  perished  by  the  wray. 
Certain  large  parties  of  them  would  attach  themselves 
to  certain  brigades.  They  would  learn  the  names  and 
numbers  of  the  regiments  and  generally  manage  to 
reach  the  commands  during  the  night.  In  this  way 
we  learned  to  distinguish  them  from  other  parties  and 
noted  the  fact  that  many  old  and  feeble  ones  had 
dropped  out.  The  uninitiated  may  wonder  how  this 
great  mass  of  people  managed  to  subsist  on  the  long 
march  of  three  hundred  miles  when  the  army  was 


260  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

always  in  advance.  It  is  true  that  we  always  secured 
the  best  of  everything  and  sometimes  all  there  was,  but 
they  were  encouraged  to  forage  for  themselves,  and 
not  only  to  forage  provisions,  but  to  press  mules,  horses, 
carts,  wagons,  etc.,  for  their  use.  Besides,  when  we 
found  the  country  full  of  provisions,  we  gave  them 
much  that  was  left  over.  Compelled  to  inarch  in  the 
rear  they  were  frequently  all  night  in  catching  up,  not 
daring  to  sleep  outside  of  our  pickets.  Besides,  we 
frequently  marched  all  night  ourselves,  which  was 
extremely  wearisome  to  all.  Frequently,  in  these  night 
marches  we  had  to  halt  every  few  rods,  not  even  at 
tempting  to  lie  down,  for  we  never  knew  how  long  the 
halt  would  last.  It  all  depended  on  the  width  of  the 
swamp  and  the  energy  and  numbers  of  the  pioneer 
corps.  With  all  these  delays  the  negroes  had  to  be 
content  as  well  as  ourselves." 

The  march  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  on  the 
18th  was  toward  Covington.  On  crossing  the  Yellow 
Biver  it  was  found  that  the  other  two  divisions  of  the 
Fourteenth  Corps  had  torn  up  the  railroad  for  a  dis 
tance  of  ten  miles.  In  the  afternoon  the  Begiment 
arrived  at  Covington,  which  was  found  to  be  a  pretty 
town  of  some  fifteen  hundred  people.  Sergeant  McLain 
says:  "What  attracted  my  eye  most  w^as  the  pretty 
girls  of  which  the  town  was  full.  But  I  must  say 
that,  with  one  exception,  I  did  not  see  a  person  whose 
position  and  worldly  circumstances  entitled  them  to 
prominence  among  the  rebels,  who  was  friendly  to  our 
«ause,  and  I  was  not  surprised  at  all  when  I  heard  a 
few  days  afterward  that  several  of  our  men  who  were 
unwell  and  had  straggled  in  the  rear,  were  captured 
by  the  citizen  enemy,  taken  to  Covington  and  hanged. 
In  passing  through  the  town  our  ranks  were  closed  up, 
the  flags  unfurled  and  the  bands  treated  the  citizens 
with  some  patriotic  music  that,  however  much  they 
hated,  they  had  to  listen  to."  At  night  the  Begiment 
camped  beyond  the  Big  Hayne's  Creek,  nine  miles  from 
Covington.  Meantime  the  Twentieth  Corps  had  been 
busy  in  destroying  the  railroad  a  few  miles  ahead  at 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  261 

Social  Circle,  which  was  fifty  miles  from  Atlanta. 
Howard  had  demonstrated  with  the  Army  of  the  Ten 
nessee  and  Kilpatrick's  cavalry  on  Macon.  The  latter 
actually  got  inside  the  rebel  defenses,  but  could  not 
hold  them  and  fell,  back  on  the  infantry,  a  brigade  of 
which  (Walcutt's)  was  attacked  by1  G.  W.  Smith's  rebel 
force  from  Macon.  However,  this  brigade,  which  was 
armed  with  Spencer's  repeaters,  made  havoc  among  the 
rebels,  who  retreated  to  their  works. 

The  Fourteenth  Corps  was  marching  on  the  19th 
direct  for  Milledgeville.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
made  twelve  miles  and  camped  beyond  Sandtown,  a 
place  of  three  or  four  houses.  Some  extensive  foraging 
was  done  in  the  evening.  The  army  was  now  in  the 
midst  of  a  rich  country  and  did  not  fail  to  live  on  the 
fat  of  the  land.  Bacon,  fowls,  meal,  sweet  potatoes 
and  molasses  were  appropriated  in  liberal  quantities. 
No  hostile  foe  had  before  trodden  this  part  of  the  sacred 
soil  of  Georgia  and  the  South,  and  the  people  had  an 
opportunity  to  realize  what  war  meant  when  brought 
to  their  own  doors.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
marched  twenty  miles  on  the  20th,  camping  late  on 
Whitfield's  Plantation,  the  owner  of  which  owned  two- 
hundred  and  fifty  negroes  and,  of  course,  was  a  rebeL 
The  march  of  the  21st  was  rendered  unpleasant  by  a 
hard,  cold  rain  storm.  The  Regiment  made  only  nine 
miles  and  camped.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
started  early  on  the  22d;  .the  storm  had  cleared  away 
and  it  was  cold.  In  the  distance  could  be  seen  the 
flames  of  burning  buildings  in  Eatonton,  where  the 
Twentieth  Corps  had  preceded  us.  A  halt  was  made 
four  miles  beyond  in  a  pine  grove.  Large  fires  were 
kept  up  all  night.  The  23d  opened  up  bright  and  clear 
and  the  Regiment,  marching  early,  halted  for  dinner  on 
Ho  well  Cobb's  Plantation,  which  was  very  large  and 
splendid.  When  it  was  known  that  the  a'rch  traitor, 
Howell  Cobb,  owned  this  princely  domain,  the  army 
proceeded  to  strip  it  of  all  things  that  would  be  of  use, 
and  left  it  in  a  state  of  ruin.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  was  approaching  the  environs  of  the  capital 


262  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

through  one  of  the  richest  and  finest  sections  of  the 
State,  which  it  was  evident  belonged  to  the  wealthy 
classes.  These  were  now  to  contribute  to  the  support 
of  the  army  and  made  to  feel  the  rigors  of  war.  The 
enemy  had  not  made  any  preparations  for  the  defense 
of  Milledgeville,  being  led  to  believe  that  Macon  would 
be  attacked  on  account  of  the  large  number  of  fac 
tories  and  war  supplies  there,  which  they  w^ere  anxious 
to  preserve,  all  the  time  forgetting  that  Sherman's 
army,  by  destroying  the  railroads  to  Macon,  could  ren 
der  their  material  useless. 

So  completely  had  they  been  deceived,  that  they 
removed  all  the  militia  from  the  capital  city,  and 
liberating  the  convicts  in  the  penitentiary,  armed  them 
and  sent  them  to  Macon.  Kilpatrick's  cavalry  sud 
denly  entered  the  city  on  the  21st  and  the  dismay 
and  confusion  among  the  people  and  in  the  Legisla 
ture,  then  in  session,  was  beautiful  to  behold.  The 
exit  of  Governor  Brown  and  his  brother  rebels  in 
freight  cars,  in  carriages  and  on  foot  before  Kilpat- 
rick's  troopers,  is  said  to  have  been  comical.  Their 
archives  were  left  behind.  The  Twentieth  Corps 
reached  the  city  on  the  22d.  Sergeant  McLain, 
describing  the  march  of  the  23d,  says:  "Our  route 
lay  through  beautiful  scenery  enhanced  by  the  splen 
did  weather.  The  landscape  is  neither  a  broad  level 
plain  nor  rugged  mountain,  but  the  country  is  undu 
lating,  studded  with  timber,  with  a  creek  running 
through  it,  giving  a  beauty  such  as  the  eye  loves  to 
dwell  upon.  All  nature  was  in  her  Sunday  best,  win 
ter  had  not  set  in  here  and  the  meadows  were  as  green 
as  in  May.  During  the  march  we  passed  the  planta 
tion  of  Lee  Gordon,  a  Lieutenant  in  the  rebel  army. 
This  is  said  to  be  the  finest  and  best  kept  plantation 
in  all  Georgia.  The  gardens  and  lawns  are  elegant. 
Over  all  presides  Mrs.  Lee  Gordon,  surrounded  with 
negro  servants  and  every  accessory  of  wealth."  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  marching  amidst  such 
scenes  as  these,  at  last  reached  the  suburbs  of  Mil 
ledgeville  and  under  strict  orders  remained  in  camp. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  263 

But  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  some  of  the  boys  man 
aged  to  see  the  rebel  capital  that  evening.  The  troops 
that  had  preceded  them  fared  better  in  the  matter  of 
sightseeing.  The  state  arsenal  was  filled  with  arms 
of  all  kinds,  spears,  lances  and  murderous  bowie-knives 
among  them.  These  were  carried  oft'  as  curiosities,  but 
soon  destroyed.  The  state  paper,  or  scrip,  was  found 
in  abundance  in  the  capitol  and  some  of  this  taken 
along  with  the  other  things.  The  evening  of  the  23d 
closed  with  all  of  the  left  wing  in  and  around  Mil- 
ledgeville  and  the  right  at  Gordon,  twelve  miles  dis 
tant.  Our  men  found  here  newspapers  of  late  date 
from  all  over  the  South.  Some  of  these  represented 
that  Sherman  and  his  soldiers  were  fleeing  for  their 
lives  to  the  sea  coast,  and  called  on  the  people  to  rise 
in  their  might  and  destroy  them.  It  seems  strange 
that  people  could  be  so  imposed  upon  by  such  stuff, 
but  no  doubt  many  were.  However,  the  people  of 
Georgia  cfid  not  "rise  in  their  might"1  to  any  great 
extent.  General  Beauregard,  from  the  safe  distance 
of  Corinth,  Miss.,  issued  the  following  bombastic  ap 
peal  :  "To  the  people  of  Georgia!  Arise  for  the  defense 
of  your  native  soil!  Rally  around  your  patriotic  Gov 
ernor  and  gallant  soldiers !  Obstruct  and  destroy  all  the 
roads  in  Sherman's  front,  flank  and  rear,  and  his  army 
will  soon  starve  in  your  midst.  Be  confident.  Be  reso 
lute.  Trust  in  an  overruling  Providence,  and  success 
will  crown  your  efforts.  I  hasten  to  join  you  in  the 
defense  of  your  homes  and  firesides.  G.  T.  Beaure 
gard."  "Uncle  Billy"  and  his  boys  only  smiled  on  pe 
rusing  such  crazy  appeals  as  the  above.  They  could  well 
afford  to.  One  hundred  miles  had  been  successfully 
traversed  and  without  any  fighting  worth  mentioning. 
The  army  had  lived  high  on  the  products  of  Georgia 
and  were  growing  fatter  and  stronger  every  day.  They 
had  come  to  look  on  the  trip  as  a  grand  picnic  and 
^vere  not  getting  tired,  but  more  anxious  to  prolong  it, 
if  anything.  In  this  spirit  the  army  again  set  out  on 
the  24th,  first,  however,  burning  the  arsenal,  peniten 
tiary  and  a  few  other  buildings.  There  was  undoubt- 


264  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

edly  a  feeling  of  relief  among  the  rebels  when  the  last 
troops  left,  and  also  many  curses  mixed  with  prayers 
for  the  destruction  of  Sherman  and  his  army  in  the 
swamps  of  Georgia.  The  left  wing  was  to  move  to 
Sandersville  by  Davisboro  and  Louisville;  the  right 
was  to  follow  the  Savannah  Railroad,  and  the  cavalry 
to  strike  for  Millen,  one  hundred  miles  distant.  The 
rebel  General  Wheeler  was  now  in  front  with  his  cav 
alry,'  and  General  Hardee  had  been  sent  to  Georgia  to 
turn  the  tide  of  invasion  if  possible.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  marching  on  the  25th,  passed  through  the 
city  and  crossing  the  Oconee  River  on  a  covered  bridge 
which  the  enemy  had  failed  to  burn,  soon  entered  the 
piney  woods  region  and  camped  at  two  p.  m.  at  Town 
Creek  Mills.  The  Brigade,  which  had  taken  a  cross 
road,  came  to  a  house  filled  with  goods  which  the 
owner  had  concealed.  The  stock  was  estimated  to  be 
worth  sixty  thousand  dollars.  Those  goods  were 
quickly  sampled  and  some  of  them  distributed,  every 
soldier  taking  what  he  wanted,  but  a  partiality  was 
shown  for  paper  collars.  The  Regiment  performed 
picket  duty  at  this  place,  called  Wood's  Plantation, 
until  the  afternoon  of  the  25th. 

The  left  wing  being  well  closed  up  on  the  25th  the 
march  was  resumed  on  the  26th,  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  reaching  the  big  Buffalo  swamp  at  noon,  w^hich 
was  crossed  with  much  trouble,  the  men  picking  their 
way  frequently  on  fallen  trunks  of  trees.  The  last 
regiments  of  the  command  did  not  get  through  until 
midnight  and  were  lighted  on  their  way  by  torches. 
The  Regiment  bivouacked  on  a  sandy  ridge.  At  dawn 
of  the  27th  it  started  again  and  waded  another  swamp, 
then  proceeded  and  reached  Sandersville  at  noon.  The 
court  house,  jail  and  other  buildings  had  been  burned 
by  our  advance  forces,  the  rebels  having  made  some 
resistance  here.  There  was  a  delay  of  several  hours 
on  account  of  having  to  wait  for  the  passage  of  the 
cavalry  train  and  droves  of  cattle  that  were  taken 
along,  so  that  the  Regiment  did  not  leave  town  until 
dark  and  then  marched  until  midnight.  On  the  28th; 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  265 

the  march  was  resumed  toward  Louisville.  On  the 
way  the  First  Division  of  the  Twentieth  Corps  was 
found  to  be  engaged  in  destroying  the  Georgia  Cen 
tral  Railroad.  At  night  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
camped  at  ten  p.  m.  five  miles  west  of  Louisville.  The 
29th  was  opened  with  an  early  march.  The  Regiment 
crossed  the  Ogeechee  River  and  soon  after  Rocky 
Creek,  where,  for  the  first  time,  cypress  trees  and 
palms  were  seen,  .an  indication  of  a  more  tropical 
climate.  Innumerable  swamps  now  appeared  and  one 
of  these  was  passed  through  over  two  miles  of  cordu 
roy  road.  The  Regiment  went  into  camp  four  miles 
beyond  Louisville.  General  Kilpatrick,  who  had  been 
sent  to  Millen  to  liberate  the  Federal  prisoners,  find 
ing  they  had  been  removed,  started  toward  Augusta 
and  met  Wheeler's  cavalry,  with  whom  he  skirmished 
some  time  and  then  withdrew  to  Louisville.  Mean 
time  the  main  army  steadily  advanced  toward  Millen. 
Leland  says  of  the  30th:  "Our  Brigade  being  in  ad 
vance,  the  march  was  easier  and  at  sundown  we  went 
into  camp  two  miles  east  of  Sebastopol  Station  on 
the  Central  Railroad.  We  found  to-day  an  abundance 
of  forage,  such  as  pork,  poultry  and  meal.  The  weather 
proved  to  be  very  warm."  C.  C.  Courtright,  of  Com 
pany  G,  says:  "The  negroes  had  a  grand  jubilee  after 
dark;  the  boys  built  a  platform,  provided  a  fiddle,  and 
the  darkies  more  than  hoed  it  down,  one  old  fellow 
dancing  on  his  head,  and  keeping  time  to  the  music." 
A  short  march  of  five  miles  was  made  on  the  1st  of 
December  and  the  Regiment  halted  for  the  day  at 
nine  a.  m.  on  a  plantation  called  Nazareth.  On  the 
2d  the  march  was  resumed  at  noon  and  extended  in 
all  directions,  first  toward  Millen,  then  toward 
Augusta,  which  Kilpatrick,  with  Baird's  Division,  was 
threatening.  After  marching  some  miles  and  until 
after  dark,  the  command  bivouacked  in  an  open  field. 
On  the  3d  the  Augusta  Railroad  was  reached  by  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  at  Lumpkin  Station  and  the 
Twentieth  Corps  was  engaged  in  tearing  up  and  burn 
ing  the  iron  and  ties.  Before  leaving  on  the  4th  the 


266  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Regiment  assisted  in  further  destroying  the  road  and 
then  marched  to  Habersham,  arriving  at  noon.  At 
night  a  halt  was  made  in  a  pine  forest  a  few  miles  in 
advance  and  ten  miles  from  Millen.  The  Seventeenth 
Corps  entered  the  latter  place  on  the  3d.  Kilpatrick 
had  demonstrated  and  fought  Wheeler  at  Waynesboro, 
supported  by  Baird.  By  this  movement  one  good 
day's  march  toward  Savannah  had  been  gained  and 
Wheeler  prevented  from  annoying  the  main  army  and 
the  trains.  The  enemy  could  not  remain  much  longer 
in  ignorance  of  Sherman's  real  objective.  On  the  5th 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  fourteen  miles 
on  the  Savannah  road  through  a  sparsely  settled  coun 
try  covered  with  sivamps,  and  camped  after  dark  at 
Lawton's  Mills  on  Beaver  Dam  Creek.  The  whole  army 
was  converging  on  Savannah  by  four  parallel  roads. 
McLaw's  rebel  division  and  some  militia  had  been 
thrown  in  front  of  Sherman  at  Ogeechee  Church,  about 
fifty  miles  from  Savannah,  but  on  the  approach  of 
the  Seventeenth  Corps  on  the  5th  retreated  toward 
Savannah,  leaving  their  newly  made  works.  General 
Wheeler  in  the  rear  was  kept  at  bay  by  Kilpatrick's 
cavalry.  The  army  was  fast  approaching  the  sea,  and 
the  country  became  poorer  in  appearance,  with  houses 
and  settlements  fewer  and  far  between.  Intermin 
able  pine  and  cypress  swamps  prevailed.  Provisions 
and  forgae  became  scarcer,  but  their  place  was  supplied 
by  rice,  which  grew  abundantly  along  the  rivers  in  this 
part  of  the  state  and  was  harvested  by  the  boys.  The 
main  roads  were  good,  the  weather  fine  and  everybody 
in  high  spirits.  McLaw  fell  back  steadily  until  he  was 
safe  within  the  defense  of  Savannah.  Some  of  his 
men  being  taken  prisoners  affirmed  that  the  army  could 
never  take  Savannah.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
marched  seventeen  miles  on  the  6th  all  the  way  near 
the  Savannah  River  just  across  which  the  sand  hills 
of  South  Carolina  rose  into  view.  On  the  way  a  rebel 
steamboat,  the  "Swan,"  was  sunk  by  one  of  our  bat 
teries.  She  was  loaded  with  corn  for  Savannah.  No 
other  incident  of  importance  marked  the  day.  At  night 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  267 

the  camp  fires  of  Sherman's  army  made  of  blazing  pine 
knots,  illuminated  the  whole  country,  and  were  sur 
rounded  by  as  joyous  a  lot  of  soldiers  as  ever  went  to 
war.  On  the  7th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  led  the 
advance  of  the  Division  over  heavy  roads  which  had 
been  blockaded  where  they  crossed  the  swamps.  This 
work  had  been  done  by  citizens  and  negroes,  the  lat 
ter  being  run  off  a  little  later  into  South  Carolina. 
Sergeant  McLain  says  of  the  movements  of  the  8th: 
"After  marching  until  noon  we  halted  for  dinner  and 
while  thus  engaged  a  rebel  gunboat  came  down  the 
river  and  fired  several  shots  at  the  head  of  our  column; 
then  returned  up  the  river.  That  night  the  Regiment 
camped  on  Ebeneezer  Island,  near  a  very  old  church 
of  the  same  name.  It  was  built  in  1769  and  used  by 
General  Greene's  army  as  a  hospital  in  the  Revolu 
tionary  war.  The  church,  which  was  of  brick  and  inside 
had  an  old-fashioned  pulpit  and  high-backed  pews, 
stood  in  a  very  picturesque  spot  in  a  pine  forest  on  the 
bank  of  the  river.  Near  by  were  the  remains  of  an 
old  fort  built  by  Governor  Jared  Irwin  in  the  early 
settlement  of  the  country.  One  in  looking  over  these 
ancient  relics  is  forcibly  struck  with  the  antique 
appearance  of  everything.  The  forest,  the  fort,  the  old 
Ebeneezer  homestead,  and  the  church,  carried  the  mind 
back  to  other  days.  The  waters  of  the  Savannah  on 
the  left  flow  silently  by  wending  their  way  to  the  ocean. 
The  island  showed  ample  evidence  of  former  high  cul 
tivation  and  prosperity.  As  one  reflects  on  the  many 
changes  he  cannot  but  wonder  how  many  of  the 
descendants  of  those  noble  old  sires  who  built  the 
church  and  fort,  are  now  in  arms  against  the  Govern 
ment  their  forefathers  fought  to  establish." 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  on  the  9th 
over  roads  which  had  been  blockaded  with  fallen  trees. 
Cannonading  was  heard  in  front.  Another  swamp  was 
crossed  and  some  time  after  dark  the  Regiment  camped 
near  the  forks  of  a  road  where  the  rebels  had  built  a 
fort.  Our  advance  had  driven  them  from  this  with 


268  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

slight  resistance.  Owing  to  the  heavy  blockade  of  the 
road  the  Regiment  made  only  five  miles  on  the  lOtk 
and  frequently  paused  to  build  new  roads.  At  night  a 
halt  was  made  on  the  railroad  ten  miles  from  Savan 
nah.  Some  of  the  boys  went  out  foraging  and  returned 
well  laden  with  fodder,  pork  and  poultry.  On  the  llth 
of  December  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  marching 
six  miles,  arrived  within  five  miles  of  Savannah  and 
constructed  breastworks.  Here  it  supported  Prescott's 
Battery,  First  Illinois  Artillery.  Before  the  army  now 
closing  in  lay  "Fair  Savannah,"  surrounded  by  exten 
sive  systems  of  fortifications  and  defended  by  an  army 
under  General  Hardee.  The  llth  closed  with  an 
almost  complete  line  of  investment  by  our  forces.  The 
left  of  the  Twentieth  Corps  rested  on  the  Savannah 
Kiver,  next  to  it  were  the  Seventeenth  and  Fifteenth. 
Corps,  and  the  Fourteenth  on  the  right.  On  the  12th 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  crossed  the  Savannah 
and  Ogeechee  canal,  moved  up  a  quarter  of  a  mile  and 
built  a  heavy  line  of  works  under  fire  of  the  rebel  bat 
teries,  situated  on  the  opposite  side  of  a  flooded  rice 
swamp.  The  Fifteenth  Corps,  being  relieved  by  the 
Seventeenth,  marched  down  the  Ogeechee  Kiver  to 
ward  Fort  McAllister.  This  barrier  stood  in  the  way 
of  communication  with  the  fleet,  which,  under  Admiral 
Dahlgren,  had  been  sent  with  supplies  to  await  the 
arrival  of  Sherman's  army,  and  was  then  in  Ossabaw 
Sound  and  vicinity,  below  the  fort. 

The  first  step  taken  by  General  Sherman  was  to 
prepare  for  the  capture  of  Fort  McAllister.  The  Sec 
ond  Division  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  under  General 
Hazen,  was  selected  for  the  assault,  to  which  it  moved 
on  the  13th,  from  King's  Bridge,  fourteen  miles  below. 
Captain  Duncan  and  tAvo  others  of  Sherman's  best 
scouts  had  on  the  evening  of  the  12th  quietly  floated 
down  the  Ogeechee  in  a  skiff  under  cover  of  the  dark 
ness  past  the  fort,  and  reported  Sherman's  arrival  to 
the  fleet.  General  Kilpatrick  was  also  sent  with  cav 
alry  to  reconnoiter  the  position,  which  he  did.  General 
Sherman,  to  hasten  so  important  a  movement,  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  260 

leaving  the  main  army  for  the  time,  repaired  to  King's 
Bridge  and  on  the  13th  witnessed  the  storming  of  Fort 
McAllister  from  one  of  our  signal  stations  situated  on 
a  rice  mill  some  three  miles  from  the  enemy.  The  fort 
had  been  built  with  reference  to  attack  from  the  sea, 
while  the  land  side  was  wreaker,  but  protected  by  ditch 
and  abatis.  Rice  fields  extended  northward  and  west 
ward  bordered  with  timber.  Late  in  the  afternoon 
Hazen's  Division  was  seen  to  advance  across  the  rice 
fields  to  the  assault  in  firm  steady  columns  with  col 
ors  flying.  Instantly  the  defenders  of  the  fort  opened 
fire  from  their  heavy  guns,  but  Hazen's  men,  in  three 
lines,  moved  briskly  on  until  the  skirmishers,  gaining 
the  abatis  and  felled  live  oaks  in  front  of  the  parapet, 
were  enabled  to  pick  off  the  rebel  gunners.  With 
shouts  and  yells  the  soldiers  rushed  over  the  obstruc 
tions  and  into  the  works.  The  garrison  of  two  hun 
dred  and  fifty  men,  under  Major  Anderson,  then  sur 
rendered.  Thirty-six  heavy  guns  were  among  the  tro 
phies.  Just  as  the  lines  wrere  moving  to  the  assault 
the  smokestacks  of  a  stamer  were  descried  coming 
up  the  river  below  the  fort.  The  signal  officer  was 
notified  of  Sherman's  presence,  and  soon  after  of  the 
capture  of  McAllister.  In  this  affair  Hazen  lost  ninety- 
two  men,  the  rebels  about  fifty.  Sherman  resolved  to 
visit  the  fleet  that  night,  so,  accompanied  by  General 
Howard  and  several  of  his  Staff  who  acted  as  crew, 
he  started  down  the  river  in  a  skiff.  On  the  way, 
learning  from  our  soldiers  below  that  General  Hazen 
was  at  the  McAllister  house,  a  landing  was  made  and 
a  late  supper  eaten  with  Hazen  and  his  Staff.  Major 
Anderson  was  also  present  as  a  guest.  After  supper 
the  party  inspected  Fort  McAllister  by  moonlight  and 
saw  the  dead  and  living  lying  side  by  side,  some  to 
wake  no  more,  others  dreaming  perchance  of  the  fierce 
assault  and^  victory.  Sherman  and  party  then  em 
barked,  and  after  going  six  miles  further,  reached  the 
boat  Dandelion,  a  tender  to  the  regular  gunboat  "Flag." 
It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  the  reception  by  the 
officers  of  the  Dandelion  was  hearty  and  that  there 


270  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

was  joy  all  round.  General  Sherman  then  learned  the 
latest  news  from  the  North  and  about  the  mails  and 
supplies  awaiting  his  army.  The  rest  of  the  night  was 
spent  in  interviews  with  General  Foster  and  Admiral 
Dahlgren.  The  14th  was  given  to  the  completion  of 
arrangements  for  forwarding  supplies  to  King's  bridge 
on  the  Ogeechee,  for  distribution  to  the  army.  Sher 
man  then  returned  to  Howard's  headquarters. 

Meantime  some  preliminary  movements  had  been 
begun  looking  to  the  reduction  of  Savannah.  One  of 
these  was  an  attempt  to  close  Hardee's  only  avenue 
of  escape  by  pontoon  over  the  river  and  plank  cause 
way  into  South  Carolina,  but  this  failed. 

On  the  night  of  the  15th  Colonel  Hobart,  w^ith  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  and  two  other  regiments  of 
his  Brigade,  made  a  reconnoissance  to  ascertain  the  pos 
sibility  of  crossing  the  swamp,  or  submerged  rice  fields, 
between  his  position  and  the  rebel  lines.  The  boys 
waded  in  for  a  considerable  distance.  In  places  the 
water  was  deep,  reaching  to  the  armpits  of  some.  The 
route  taken  was  found  to  be  impracticable,  and  the 
enemy  becoming  alarmed  and  opening  fire,  the  com 
mand  was  ordered  back  to  camp,  where  it  arrived  wet, 
cold  and  disgusted  with  Georgia  swamps. 

The  next  night  Lieutenant  James  M.  Wright,  of 
Company  I,  a  brave  and  venturesome  officer,  deter 
mined  to  find  some  way  of  crossing  the  swamp  if  it 
could  be  done.  He  set  out  alone  on  a  different  route 
from  that  taken  the  night  before,  and  succeeded  in 
reaching  a  low-lying  bank  of  firm  ground  at  the  edge 
of  the  timber,  which  he  supposed  was  the  boundary 
of  the  swamp  on  the  enemy's  side,  and  on  top  of  which 
was  an  old  rail  fence. 

Lieutenant  Wright's  private  expedition  being  re 
ported  to  Colonel  Hobart,  the  latter,  on  the  afternoon 
of  the  19th,  ordered  Major  Widmer  to  cross  on  the 
route  discovered  by  Wright,  and  reconnoiter  the  woods 
on  the  rebel  side  of  the  swamp  that  night  to  find  out 
if  there  was  room  to  form  the  Brigade  on  firm  ground 
between  the  swamp  and  the  enemy's  main  line  of  works, , 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  271 

which  were  in  the  woods  and  out  of  sight  from  our  side 
of  the  swamp,  excepting  a  lunette  for  three  guns,  which 
was  on  the  rebel  edge  of  the  swamp  and  in  full  view. 
Colonel  Hobart  told  Major  Widmer  to  use  his  own 
judgment  as  to  the  number  of  men  to  make  the  trip, 
to  take  the  whole  Regiment  if  he  thought  it  necessary, 
or  go  alone  if  he  wanted  to,  but,  ,at  all  eArents,  to  get 
the  required  information  that  night. 

The  Major  selected  Captain  Proctor,  Lieutenant 
Wright,  Mark  Purviance  and  William  Frink,  all  of 
Company  I,  to  go  with  him.  Each  was  armed  with 
two  revolvers,  and  carried  a  light  pole  with  which  to 
feel  the  depth  of  the  water,  and  all  went  bareheaded, 
so  as  not  to  be  readily  distinguishable  from  other 
objects  in  the  dark.  The  night  was  extremely  dark 
and  the  party  proceeded  to  work  its  Avay  across  the 
swamp  with  the  utmost  caution,  as  no  part  of  the  route 
taken  was  more  than  three  hundred  yards  from  the 
rebel  lunette,  and  it  was  known  that  the  enemy  at  night 
had  pickets  out  on  several  dikes  that  extended  part 
way  across  the  swamp. 

At  length  the  bank  found  by  Wright  on  his  former 
trip  was  reached,  but  it  was  discovered  that  a  canal 
or  feeder  for  the  rice  swamp,  about  twenty  feet  wide 
and  filled  with  water  six  feet  deep,  lay  between  the 
bank  and  the  mainland.  How  to  cross  was  the  ques 
tion.  By  using  his  pole  Major  Widmer  found  a  sub 
merged  log  lying  across  the  feeder,  and  on  it,  he,  Cap 
tain  Proctor,  and  Lieutenant  Wright  passed  over,  leav 
ing  Frink  and  Purviance  to  guard  the  crossing.  The 
ground  was  carefully  explored  up  to  the  rebel  line  of 
works,  and  it  was  found  there  was  room  to  form  the 
Brigade  between  the  feeder  and  that  line.  After  an 
absence  of  more  than  four  hours  the  party  returned  to 
our  side  of  the  swamp.  Major  Widmer,  reporting  to 
Colonel  Hobart  that  the  route  was  practicable,  was 
ordered  to  select  one  hundred  men  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  to  lead  an  assault  on  the  rebel  works 
the  following  night.  Looking  to  that  end  he  had  poles 
prepared  to  use  as  sleepers  for  a  bridge  across  the 


272  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

feeder,  on  which  rails  from  the  old  fence  were  to  be 
laid;  torches  were  also  made,  to  be  used  if  necessary, 
and  the  detachment  was  held  ready  to  make  the  assault 
whenever  ordered.  There  is  no  doubt  it  would  have 
been  successful,  but  the  evacuation  of  the  enemy  that 
night  rendered  it  unnecessary. 

Soon  after  our  army  reached  the  city  Colonel 
Hobart  received  his  brevet  as  Brigadier-General  for 
his  activity  during  the  siege,  and  he  complimented 
Major  Widmer's  party  by  giving  them  a  banquet  at 
his  headquarters,  which  was  enjoyed  by  all  in  true 
army  style. 

During  the  time  between  the  12th  and  21st  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  in  addition  to  taking  part  in  the 
adventure  of  the  15th,  was  fully  occupied  in  guarding 
its  line  of  a  mile  in  length.  Narrow  dikes  ran  across 
the  rice  swamps  and  both  armies  watched  the  ap 
proaches  to  these.  They  were  also  commanded  by 
artillery.  There  w^as  much  foraging  done  in  the  coun 
try  around  Savannah,  but  pending  the  arrival  of  sup 
plies  the  boys  hulled  rice  to  help  out  the  rations. 

C.  C.  Courtright,  speaking  of  this,  says:  "We 
pounded  (or  hulled)  rice  in  mess  pans  with  the  butts  of 
our  guns ;  however,  not  being  able  to  get  all  the  hulls 
off,  when  eating  the  rice  some  of  it  scratched  all  the 
way  down."  Leland  notes  that  the  army  at  this  time 
looked  well  and  hearty  with  hardly  a  case  of  sick 
ness  in  the  Regiment.  He  also  says:  "On  the  16th 
we  received  our  first  mail  from  the  North.  In  the 
evening  we  heard  a  rebel  band  playing  'Dixie'  and 
'Home,  Sweet  Home/  As  the  lovely  strains  came 
floating  to  us  across  the  water  some  of  us  felt  blue. 
While  here  twenty-seven  Union  soldiers  came  in.  They 
had  been  prisoners  of  war  for  over  a  year  and  joined 
the  rebel  army  as  the  quickest  way  of  reaching  our 
lines." 

Frank  W.  Burns,  of  Company  I,  postmaster  of  the 
First  Division,  says:  "The  largest  mail  ever  received 
by  rfie  was  at  Savannah.  It  took  a  six-mule  army 
wagon  loaded  to  the  big  canvas  cover  to  carry  it.  Three 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  273 

hundred  dollars'  worth  of  stamps  which  I  obtained  for 
the  Division  was  only  a  fraction  of  what  were  wanted 
for  the  first  mail  out  from  Savannah  and  I  was  kept 
busy  franking  letters  that  there  were  no  stamps  for." 

General  Sherman  had  sent  for  heavy  siege  guns, 
and  was  preparing  to  assault  the  rebel  works,  which 
after  careful  reconnoitering  it  was  decided  could  be 
done  successfully.    By  the  17th  his  supplies  were  com 
ing  in  from  sea  in  great  quantities.    On  that  date  he 
made  a  formal  demand  through  a  flag  of  truce  on 
General  Hardee  for  the  surrender  of  the  city.    On  the 
18th  an  answer  refusing  to  surrender  was  returned. 
General  Sherman,  directing  Howard  and  Slocum  to 
continue  the  preparations  for  assault,  left  at  once  by 
sea  for  Hilton  Head  to  confer  with  General  Foster  and 
arrange  with  him  to  send  General  John  P.  Hatch's 
DiAdsion  to  Savannah  for  the  purpose  of  operating  on 
and  taking  possession  of  the  old  plank  causeway  on 
the  South  Carolina  side,  w^hich  was  Hardee's  only  ave 
nue  of  escape  left  to  him.    This  matter  was  settled  and 
Sherman  set  out  on  his  return  on  the  20th.     Being 
delayed  by  low  tide  he  did  not  arrive  near  Savannah 
until  the  21st,  and  was  met  on  the  way  by  a  staff 
officer  with  the  news  of  the  fall    of    Savannah    that 
morning.     Hardee  had  retreated  across  the  river  into 
South  Carolina  during  the  night  of  the  20th  with  his 
army  of  about  fifteen  thousand  men  and  the  light  artil 
lery,  after  blowing  up  some  of  the  public  property,  but 
vast  quantities  remained  and  were  captured  by  our 
army.     Among  other  trophies  were  two  hundred  and 
fifty  cannon  which  he  left  unspiked;  all  the  railroad 
rolling    stock;    thirty-one    thousand    bales    of    cotton 
belonging  to  the  Confederate  Government,  and  much 
other  material.     Early  on  the  morning  of  the  21st  our 
pickets  had  discovered  that  the  rebel  works  were  aban 
doned.      Upon    hearing    this    Slocum    and    Howard 
marched  their  troops  in.     Geary's  Division   claimed 
to  be  the  first  to  reach  the  heart  of  the  city.    The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  crossing  the  rice  swamp  in  front 
on  a  dike,  marched  to  the  Chimney  Fort  and  bivou- 


274  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

acked  under  the  cedars  and  live  oaks  around  Lqwton's 
house.  On  the  22nd  the  Regiment  marched  through 
the  principal  streets  of  the  city  and  was  charmed  with 
its  beautiful  appearance,  so  different  from  anything 
seen  before.  There  was  a  decidedly  tropical  air  about 
everything.  The  houses  with  broad  and  latticed  veran 
das,  the  yards  filled  with  rare  flowers  in  bloom,  the 
palm  and  orange  trees,  were  interesting  sights  to 
behold.  The  live  oaks,  draped  with  Spanish  moss  (Til- 
la  ndsia)  adorned  the  streets  and  parks.  It  would  be 
hard  to  describe  the  feelings  of  satisfaction  that  per 
vaded  all  on  this  triumphal  march,  the  fitting  sequel 
to  the  campaign  begun  early  in  November,  and  with 
some  misgiving.  The  result  had  been  attained  with 
out  any  battle  on  the  three  hundred  miles'  journey 
and  proved  the  wisdom  of  General  Sherman  when  he 
conceived  the  project  that  was  to  add  to  his  fame  as 
a  commander  and  strategist,  even  more  than  did  the 
Atlanta  campaign.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
having  shared  in  the  army's  triumph  on  the  22nd, 
inarched  out  two  miles  northward  and  wreut  into  camp. 
On  the  march  from  Atlanta  the  loss  to  Sherman's 
army  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  amounted  in  the 
aggregate  to  764  men;  1,338  prisoners  were  captured. 
As  on  the  fall  of  Atlanta  the  North  had  been  excited 
to  the  highest  pitch  of  enthusiasm,  so  the  announce 
ment  that  Sherman  and  his  army  had  arrived  safely 
before  the  walls  of  Savannah,  was  greeted  with  new 
rejoicing,  to  find  more  emphatic  expression  two  weeks 
later,  when  the  city  had  fallen.  There  was  double 
cause  for  the  National  gratitude  and  happiness,  for 
the  speedy  downfall  of  the  great  rebellion  was  assured. 
The  battle  of  Nashville  had  been  fought  on  the  15th 
and  16th  of  December,  and  a  signal  victory  obtained 
by  the  army  under  General  George  H.  Thomas,  over 
the  rebel  General  Hood,  who  had  with  him  the  old 
Army  of  the  Tennessee,  that  bore  on  its  banners  the 
historic  names  of  every  great  battlefield  from  Donel- 
son  and  Shiloh  to  Atlanta,  and  had  learned  the  art  of 
war  under  Albert  Sidney  Johnston,  Beauregard,  Bragg 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  275 

and  Joseph  E.  Johnston.  The  two  armies  were  about 
equal  in  numbers,  but  a  part  of  General  Thomas'  army 
was  composed  of  new  recruits,  negro  soldiers  and  con 
valescents  from  the  vast  hospitals  of  Nashville.  Gen 
eral  Thomas,  assuming  the  offensive  against  Hood's 
veteran  troops  posted  on  the  hills  around  Nashville, 
defeated  them  in  fierce  assaults,  extending  over  two 
days.  The  results  were  most  decisive,  the  enemy  los 
ing  a  large  number  in  killed  and  wounded,  thirteen 
thousand  prisoners  and  nearly  all  of  their  artillery. 
A  feeble  remnant  of  a  few  thousand  found  its  way 
back  to  Alabama  in  a  demoralized  condition,  but  the 
proud  and  almost  invincible  Army  of  the  Tennessee, 
with  its  glorious  record,  went  down  in  ruin  at  Nash 
ville  before  the  "Rock  of  Chickamauga."  As  a  fair, 
open  test  of  American  valor  and  a  battle  on  a  large 
scale  that  was  fought  and  finished  on  an  open  field, 
that  of  Nashville  stands  alone.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  had  its  representatives  there  to  the  number  of 
seventy-five,  soldiers  of  Sherman's  army,  who  had  been 
wounded  or  sent  back  on  account  of  sickness.  A  pro 
visional  division  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  composed  of 
convalescents,  had  been  formed  under  General  Steed- 
man  and  rendered  good  service  in  the  battle.  Cap 
tain  C.  K.  Brown,  of  Company  C;  Lieutenant  S.  V. 
Arnold,  of  Company  A,  and  Lieutenant  P.  Talbot,  of 
Company  B,  commanded  each  a  company.  Lieutenant 
Arnold,  of  Company  A,  says:  "There  were  about  four 
hundred  of  our  Brigade  in  the  battle.  After  it  was 
over  we  followed  Steedman  to  Decatur  in  pifrsuit  of 
Hood's  remaining  forces.  There  some  brisk  fighting 
was  done.  The  Fourteen  Corps  detachment  was  then 
sent  to  Chattanooga  and  the  several  companies  assigned 
to  patrol  duty  from  that  city  south  and  east.  My  com 
pany  was  stationed  at  Ringgold,  Georgia,  where  I  acted 
as  Provost  Marshal  from  January  20th  to  February 
24th,  1865.  Besides  myself  there  were  Sergeant  Frank 
Pickens,  O.  Riley  and  Fuller,  of  Company  A;  also  many 
others  from  different  companies  of  the  One  Hundred, 
and  Fourth.  I  will  add  that  I  performed  at  Ringgold 


276  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

iny  most  difficult  and  dangerous  service  during  the 
war,  as  we  were  constantly  raided  by  Gatewood's  and 
McDonald's  bands  of  guerrillas.  They  were  restive,  and 
knowing  every  foot  of  the  country,  we  were  kept  on 
the  alert  watching  them  and  their  spies,  and  protect 
ing  our  stores.  To  our  great  delight,  on  March  15th, 
1865,  the  detachments  were  ordered  to  rejoin  Sher 
man's  army.  Going  by  way  of  Parkersburg,  West  Vir 
ginia,  Alexandria,  and  by  sea  to  Moorehead  Gity,  N. 
C.,  at  last  we  reached  our  commands  at  Goldsboro,  in 
time  to  help  close  the  war  near  Raleigh."  The  battle 
of  Nashville,  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  the  fall  of 
Savannah  are  all  to  be  regarded  as  parts  of  one  great 
movement  that  settled  forever  the  fate  of  the  Confed 
eracy.  No  great  and  organized  rebel  army  now  re 
mained  in  all  the  southwest  to  be  conquered.  The 
"march  to  the  sea"  had  demonstrated  the  weakness 
of  the  South  and  the  folly  of  its  further  resistance. 
Only  the  finishing  blow  needed  to  be  given  to  Lee's 
army  at  Richmond.  On  General  Sherman's  arrival  at 
Savannah  he  had  been  requested  by  General  Grant  to 
transport  his  army,  when  Savannah  should  be  taken, 
to  Virginia,  but  on  further  reflection  another  course 
was  pursued  and  Sherman's  army  left  to  sweep  like  a 
whirlwind  northward  through  the  States  of  South  and 
North  Carolina. 

The  army  remained  in  and  near  Savannah  during 
the  greater  part  of  January,  1865,  enjoying  a  well- 
earned  rest  and  preparing  for  another  campaign.  Dur 
ing  this  time  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  lived  in 
comfortable  quarters  built  by  the  men,  and  improved 
the  opportunity  to  see  the  city  and  surrounding  coun 
try  at  leisure.  On  January  9th  Colonel  Hapeman  went 
home  on  a  thirty  days'  leave  of  absence  and  Major 
Widmer  commanded  the  Regiment.  Captain  M.  Osman, 
of  Company  A,  and  Jeremiah  Grove,  of  Company  E, 
being  taken  sick,  were  sent  to  the  hospital.  The  lat 
ter,  who  had  been  a  good  soldier,  unfortunately  died 
on  February  9th.  The  writer,  while  Sherman's  army 
was  marching  to  the  sea,  having  escaped  from  the  rebel 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  277 

prison  pen  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  on  the  evening  of  Novem 
ber  28th,  was  also  marching  through  the  swamps  of 
the  South,  arriving  after  ten  days'  journey  by  field  and 
flood,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Santee  River,  S.  C.,  and  was 
rescued  by  the  U.  S.  Steamer  Nipsic,  from  hell.  Going 
north  and  reporting  at  Washington,  he  returned  after 
a  short  leave  of  absence  to  Charleston,  S.  C.,  which 
had  just  been  evacuated  by  the  rebels.  Remaining 
here  a  month  or  more,  he  was  put  in  command  of  the 
First  Battalion,  Third  Brigade  of  the  "Coast  Division," 
under  General  John  P.  Hatch,  who  commanded  the 
Department.  Captain  M.  Osman,  who  also  arrived 
there,  commanded  another  battalion.  In  April  both 
were  ordered  to  join  their  regiment,  then  marching 
through  North  Carolina,  and  thus  were  enabled  to 
witness  the  death  throes  and  attend  the  funeral  of 
Johnston's  army  near  Raleigh.  While  in  prison  the 
waiter  became  acquainted  with  Lieutenant  Byers,  of 
the  Fifth  Iowa  Cavalry,  whose  famous  song  of  "Sher 
man's  March  to  the  Sea,"  composed  by  him  in  prison, 
is  deemed  so  appropriate  as  to  merit  an  introduction 
here. 

Our  camp-fires  shone  bright  on  the  mountain 

That  frowned  on  the  river  below, 
While  we  stood  by  our  guns  in  the  morning 

And  eagerly  watched  for  the  foe, 
When  a  rider  came  out  of  the  darkness 

That  hung  over  mountain  and  tree, 
And  shouted,  "Boys,  up  and  be  ready, 

For  Sherman  will  march  to  the  sea." 

Then  shout  after  shout  for  bold  Sherman 

Went  up  from  each  valley  and  glen, 
And  the  bugles  re-echoed  the  music 

That  fell  from  the  lips  of  the  men; 
For  we  knew  that  the  stars  on  our  banner 

More  bright  in  their  splendor  would  be, 
And  that  blessings  from  Northland  would  greet  us 

When  Sherman  marched  down  to  the  sea. 

Then  forward,  boys,  forward  to  battle! 

We  marched  on  our  wearisome  way, 
And  we  stormed  the  wild  hills  of  Resaca. 

God  bless  those  who  fell  on  that  day! 
Then  Kei.esaw,  dark  in  his  glory, 

Looked  down  on  the  flag  of  the  free, 
But  the  East  and  the  West  bore  our  standard 

When  Sherman  marched  down  to  the  sea. 


278  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Still  onward. we  pressed,  till  our  banners 

Swept  out  from  Atlanta's  grim  walls, 
And  the  blood  of  the  patriot  dampened 

The  soil  where  the  traitor's  flag  falls. 
But  we  paused  not  to  weep  for  the  fallen 

Who  slept  by  each  river  and  tree, 
Yet  we  twined  them  a  wreath  of  the  laurel 

As  Sherman  marched  down,  to  the  sea. 

O,  proud  was  our  army  that  morning, 

That  stood  where  the  pine  proudly  towers, 
When  Sherman  said,  "Boys,  you  are  weary — 

This  day  fair  Savannah  is  ours." 
Then  sang  we  a  song  for  our  Chieftain 

That  echoed  o'er  river  and  sea; 
For  the  stars  on  our  banner  shone  brighter 

When  Sherman  had  marched  to  the  sea. 

While  in  Savannah  General    Sherman  and    other 
officers  of  high  rank  occupied  fine  private  residences. 
The  city  was,  under  the  iron  hand  of  strict  military 
discipline.    The  population,  of  some  twenty  thousand 
white   and    black,    were   protected   and    their   rights 
respected,  yet  the  rebel  papers  in  the  South  represented 
that  rapine  and  pillage  prevailed,  the  object  being  to 
keep  alive  the  dying  embers  of  the  rebellion  and  the 
spirit  of  hatred.    The  ministers  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ  were  not  unduly  imbued  with  love  for  their 
enemies.     One  of  them,    as    Sherman   Leland   relates,, 
called  on  General  Sherman  and  asked  if  he  would  be 
allowed,  in  his  pulpit,  to  pray  for  Jeff  Davis.     "Cer 
tainly,"  replied  the  General,  "Jeif.  Davis  and  the  devil 
—both  need  praying  for."     Captain  Strawn  contrib 
utes  the  following  interesting  narrative  of  his  impres 
sions  and  experiences  on  the  march  to  the  sea:    "The 
campaign  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea  remains  on  my  mind 
as  a  kind  of  half-forgotten  dream,  now  gay  and  light 
some,  now  troubled  and  grewsome.    We  had  no  fight 
ing  worthy  of  the  name,  but  occupied  ourselves  chiefly 
in  marching  from  one  fertile  valley  to  another,  remov 
ing  the  substance  of  the  land    on  our    way  toward 
Savannah.     Supplies  for  the  army  were  abundant,  but 
we  had  to  collect  them.    Details  of  foragers  were  sent 
out  daily  to  gather  in  the  fat  of  the  land.     Strange 
supplies  were  sometimes  secured  on  the  sly,  and  sent 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  279 

home  as  souvenirs.  One  man  was  reported  to  have 
sent  home  considerable  silver  plate.  Another  brought 
me  for  transportation  a  horn  comb!  It  is  but  just  to 
say,  however,  that  most  of  our  men  scorned  to  lay 
hands  on  anything  of  value  not  really  needed  for  the 
army.  There  were  some  notable  exceptions.  It  could 
not  be  expected  that  among  so  many  tens  of  thousands 
there  would  be  no  rogues,  gamblers,  thieves  and  rob 
bers,  before  they  joined  the  army.  Their  natural 
inclinations  remained — to  get  money  without  earning 
it;  therefore,  it  is  not  strange  that,  now  and  then,  they 
disgraced  themselves  and  the  array.  I  have  said  that 
we  found  our  line  of  travel  well  stocked  .with  food 
supplies,  the  collecting  of  which  occupied  much  of  our 
time.  There  was  one  other  matter  that  helped  to 
amuse  and  vary  the  usual  routine.  This  was  the 
destruction  of  the  railroads  leading  to  our  rear.  If 
the  embankments  of  the  road  we  desired  to  destroy 
were  high  and  steep  a  whole  brigade  sometimes  placed 
itself  along  the  line  and  laid  hold  of  the  rails,  and,  at 
a  given  signal,  heaved  the  whole  outfit  down  the  grade. 
If  the  ground  was  comparatively  level  we  had  tongs 
and  other  tools  for  the  purpose  in  view\  The  rails  were 
wrenched  from  the  ties,  which  were  then  piled  up  far 
enough  apart  for  the  rails  to  reach;  other  ties  were 
then  piled  underneath  and  fire  set  to  them.  When  red 
hot  the  rails  were  seized  with  wrenches  and  twisted 
out  of  shape;  sometimes  they  were  wound  around 
trees  if  convenient.  On  the  latter  part  of  our  march 
food  and  forage  were  not  so  abundant  as  at  first.  We 
had  to  use  rice  as  a  substitute  for  bread,  most  of  it 
unhulled  if  not  in  the  straw,  too.  Within  a  short  time 
after  going  into  camp,  one  could  hear  the  pounding 
of  the  improvised  pestles  and  mortars  separating  the 
hull  from  the  kernel.  This  substitute  for  bread  was 
very  healthy  and  nourishing,  but  we  welcomed  the 
arrival  of  the  Government  cracker,  facetiously  called 
by  the  boys  'hard-tack'  and  'Lincoln  platforms/ 
Savannah,  which  on  arrival  Ave  invested,  was  difficult 


280  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

of  approach,  not  only  on  account  of  its  defenses,  con 
sisting  of  vast  earthworks  and  forts,  mounted  with 
hundreds  of  cannon,  but  the  rebels  had  flooded  all  of 
the  land  approaches  by  means  of  the  great  ditches 
intersecting  the  rice  fields  in  all  directions,  and  which 
had  been  made  for  the  purposes  of  irrigation.  The 
opposite  ends  of  the  dikes  were  guarded  by  cannon 
supported  by  infantry.  These  dikes  were  only  wide 
enough  for  two  or  three  soldiers  to  traverse  at  the  same 
time.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  will  remember 
well  its  experience  one  dark  night  in  line  of  battle,  try 
ing  to  wade  through  the  flooded  rice  field  in  our  front, 
hoping  to  surprise  the  enemy  and  make  a  lodgment 
in  their  works.  We  advanced  as  silently  as  possible, 
splashing  through  the  water.  The  rebels  hearing  the 
noise  opened  on  us,  but  did  no  damage.  But  as  they 
were  apprised  of  our  approach  we  fell  back  to  dry  land. 
A  few  days  after  the  enemy  abandoned  Savannah  and 
with  bounding  hearts  we  took  up  the  line  of  march  into 
the  city.  I  have  never  since  then  attempted  to  lead  a 
pokey  horse  but  what  I  am  reminded  of  an  incident 
that  occurred  to  me  while  on  this  march.  I  was  pull 
ing  along  a  very  slow  nag  by  the  bits,  when  I  was 
hailed  by  Phil  Hawk,  of  Company  G,  as  follows:  <I 
say,  Cap,  why  don't  you  get  a  sled  and  have  something 
to  pull?7  We  were  intensely  interested  in  Savannah, 
of  which  we  had  heard  so  much.  On  Sunday  many  of 
us  went  to  church  and  for  the  first  time  since  leaving 
home,  heard  inside  a  house  dedicated  to  the  worship 
of  God,  an  old-fashioned  sermon.  We  did  not  infer, 
however,  from  the  heartiness  of  our  reception  by  the 
few  present,  the  deacons  and  pastor,  that  they  were 
especially  gratified  by  our  presence.  Having  removed 
camp  to  a  new  locality  we  found  on  clearing  off  the 
brush  and  trees  that  the  ground  occupied  was  a  mil 
itary  camp  during  the  last  war  with  Great  Britain. 
The  ridges  of  the  cotton  fields  were  plainly  visible, 
there  being  here  no  frost  to  raise  and  level  the  ground. 
The  trees  cut  down  showed  fifty  rings.  The  One  Hun- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  281 

dred  and  Fourth  remained  some  time  in  this  camp, 
and  as  it  rained  most  of  the  time  we  welcomed  the 
order  to  march  toward  Richmond." 

Sergeant  Fred  G.  McLain,  of  Company  K,  who  evi 
dently  kept  his  eyes  open  while  on  the  march  through 
Georgia,  thus  pictures  the  home  of  a  "Georgia  cracker" 
living  in  the  "piney  woods"  section  of  the  State.  He 
says:  "I  will  now  describe  to  you  the  homestead  of 
one  of  the  'poor  white  trash.'  I  will  give  it  without 
varnish  and  you  may  draw  your  own  conclusions  about 
the  people  and  the  manner  of  living  of  the  great  major 
ity  of  the  chivalry.  As  you  pass  along  the  road  .you 
come  to  a  little  clearing  ranging  in  size  from  half  an 
acre  to  ten  acres,  according  to  the  financial  condition 
of  the  owner.  This  is  planted  in  little  patches  of  cab 
bage,  sweet  potatoes,  corn,  negro  beans  and  turnips. 
Seldom  does  the  list  differ  from  that  given,  as  the  tastes 
of  the  people  are  very  much  alike.  You  may  see  a 
house  near  by  in  the  timber;  if  not,  follow  that  path 
and  you  will  find  one  down  at  the  spring  which  may 
be  half  a  mile  away  from  the  garden.  Around  the  door 
stands  a  family  of  eight  little  towheads,  youngsters  of 
nearly  the  same  age;  before  them  stands  a  little  runt 
of  a  Georgia  cow,  full  breasted  on  the  bcack,  with  her 
head  sticking  straight  out,  resembling  a  portable  corn 
crib  with  the  door  wide  open.  Near  her,  tied  to  the 
wheel  of  a  little  one-horse  wagon  made  after  the  pat 
tern  so  much  in  use  in  the  mountains  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  called  by  Uncle  Sam's  'pups'  regular  'schooner- 
fashioned  rockaways,'  stands  a  Georgia  pony  to  match, 
or  in  lieu  thereof,  a  yoke  of  male  corn  cribs  keep  com 
pany  with  the  cow.  In  a  little  pen  in  front  of  the  house, 
or  rooting  in  the  ground  near  by,  will  be  seen  three 
or  four  twenty-pound  slab-sided  porkers  just  as  inde 
pendent  as  their  owner.  There  is  a  shelf  fastened  up 
against  the  side  of  the  house  on  each  side  of  the  door, 
which  the  owner  must  have  made;  in  fact,  I  think  he 
built  the  house,  which  is  of  small  pine  logs,  and  the 
casings  of  the  two  doors  are  fastened  on  with  pegs. 
The  chimney  is  built  of  sticks  instead  of  bricks  and 


282  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

goes  up  on  the  outside  of  the  house.  The  roof  is  made 
of  clapboards  and  held  down  with  long  poles  which 
run  across  the  roof  from  one  side  to  the  other.  Three 
shelves  outside  of  the  house  contain  the  crockery  ware 
used  in  the  dairy,  which  is  composed  mostly  of  gourds. 
You  step  up  to  the  door  and  ask  for  a  drink.  The 
lady  of  the  house  hands  you  a  small  gourd  with  a 
long  crooked  handle,  and  informs  you  that  'the  spring 
is  just  below.'  Stepping  dowrn  to  the  spring  you  get 
a  view  of  the  back  of  the  house,  wrhich  is  just  like  the 
front,  dirty  as  it  can  be.  Returning  to  the  house  to 
thajik  the  lady,  the  opportunity  is  embraced  to  exam 
ine  the  internal  arrangements.  In  the  center  of  the 
house  on  both  sides  is  a  door.  At  one  end  is  the  fire 
place  and  on  one  side  of  it  is  a  slab  with  four  pegs  in 
it  that  serves  for  a  kitchen  table;  on  the  other  side  is 
a  common  board  table  to  eat  on.  In  the  other  end 
of  the  house  is  the  bed  and  a  loom,  but  in  case  there 
are  two  beds,  they  are  placed  in  the  corners  and  the 
loom  stands  on  the  porch.  There  is  a  baby  cradle  in 
the  middle  of  the  floor,  and  sometimes  two,  with  three 
or  four  chairs  scattered  around  anywhere.  In  con 
clusion,  I  will  say  that  kitchen,  dining-room,  bed-room 
and  parlor  are  all  in  one,  like  the  Irishman's  palace," 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


The   March    Through   the  Carolinas— Battle    of    Averysboro    and 
Bentonville. 


The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  remained  in  Savan 
nah  until  the  19th  of  January,  1865,  occupied  in  vari 
ous  duties,  such  as  going  on  picket  and  building  breast 
works,  as  the  city  was  to  be  garrisoned  by  General 
Foster's  command  when  Sherman's  army  resumed  its 
march.  The  continuous  rains  had  prevented  the  on 
ward  movement  that  had  been  initiated  on  the  14th 
by  General  Howard  with  the  Seventeenth  Corps,  on 
Pocotaligo,  S.  C.,  twenty-five  miles  distant.  This  place, 
an  important  strategic  point  at  the  time,  was  seized 
and  held  with  a  loss  of  only  ten  men.  General  Slocum 
had  also  crossed  the  river  with  two  divisions.  Thus 
the  army  had  begun  to  impinge  on  the  sacred  soil  of 
South  Carolina,  the  state  that  our  soldiers  had  always 
desired  to  visit,  regarding  it  truly  as  the  birthplace 
of  the  rebellion  and  the  home  of  the  most  virulent 
rebels  in  all  the  South.  The  same  causes  that  delayed 
Sherman  operated  in  favor  of  the  rebels  by  giving 
them  time  to  collect  the  scattered  fragments  of  their 
armies;  to  enforce  a  rigid  conscription  which  embraced 
everything  capable  of  bearing  arms,  except  J:heir  slaves, 
from  the  cradle  to  the  grave;  and  to  concentrate  the 
heterogeneous  elements  before  Sherman.  It  therefore 
became  the  latter's  policy,  as  usual,  to  deceive  the 
enemy  by  the  exercise  of  his  favorite  weapon — strategy. 
Beauregard,  Bragg  and  Hardee  were  all  in  South  Car 
olina  watching,  and  endeavoring  to  ascertain  the  prob 
able  object  of  Sherman's  first  attack.  It  might  be 
Augusta,  Charleston,  or  Columbia,  but  they  were  kept 
in  doubt  until  the  Union  columns  were  ready  to  strike 
in  any  one  of  the  three  directions  with  equal  facility 
and  certainty  of  success.  Pending  the  resumption  of 


284  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

active  operations  the  rebels  improved  the  time  in 
obstructing  as  far  as  possible  the  roads  on  Sherman's 
supposed  lines  of  advance,  evidently  not  even  yet 
understanding  that  Sherman's  army  knew  how  to  build 
roads  in  apparently  the  most  impossible  places.  Said 
a  rebel  soldier  to  the  writer  on  this  point:  "If  Sher 
man's  army  had  gone  to  hell  and  wanted  to  march 
over  and  there  was  no  other  way,  they  would  corduroy 
it  and  march  on."  This  man,  who  was  a  famous  rebel 
scout  and  fighter,  as  I  had  learned,  made  the  remark 
with  a  perfect  candor  that  impressed  as  well  as  amused 
me.  Another  rebel  soldier  having  suggested  at  one 
time  that  a  railroad  tunnel  should  be  blown  up  a  com 
rade  replied,  "That  will  do  no  good;  Sherman  carries 
a  duplicate  tunnel  in  his  pocket."  However,  the  fact 
remains  that  the  rebels  who  had  for  nearly  a  year  wit 
nessed  the  continuous  onward  march  of  the  Union 
armies  under  Sherman,  first  to  Atlanta,  and  then  to 
Savannah,  began  to  think  there  was  no  obstacle  too 
great  for  them  to  surmount.  And  it  was  only  by  the 
most  frantic  and  extreme  measures  on  the  part  of  the 
rebel  generals  that  the  semblance  of  an  army  was  raised 
in  these  last  days  of  the  w^ar  for  the  purpose  of  pro 
longing  what  the  leaders  knew  was  the  death  strug 
gle  of  their  cause.  Drowning  men  will  catch  at  straws. 
On  the  18th  of  January  the  care  of  Savannah  was 
turned  over  to  General  Foster,  who  prepared  to  gar 
rison  it  with  a  division  from  Virginia  commanded  by 
General  Grower. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  received  marching 
orders  on  the  19th  and  proceeded  to  pack  up.  The  20th 
opened  up  rainy,  but  the  Regiment  turned  its  back 
on  Savannah  at  eleven,  and  wrended  its  way  along  the 
west  bank  of  the  Savannah  River  toward  Sister's 
Ferry,  where  Sherman  proposed  to  cross  a  part  of  his 
army.  After  a  wet,  toilsome  march  of  eight  miles  it 
camped  in  the  woods.  Courtright  says :  "We  lay  down 
to  sleep  at  nine,  but  awoke  at  midnight — drowned  out. 
There  were  three  inches  of  water  in  our  tent,  and  also 
in  the  tents  of  others.  Overmire,  Marlatt  and  myself, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  285 

having  procured  some  wet  wood,  succeeded  after  much 
whittling  and  blowing  in  starting  a  fire  by  which  we 
dried  our  clothing.  In  the  morning  felt  cross  and  stiff." 
Owing  to  constant  rain,  the  next  three  days  were  spent 
at  this  camp  and  corduroy  roads  built  for  our  trains. 
The  24th  was  cold,  causing  one  of  the  boys  to  remark 
that  "glory*  was  a  good  thing  to  cover  one's  self  with, 
but  not  so  warm  as  a 'blanket."  The  Regiment  moved 
a  short  distance  to  higher  ground.  The  weather  being 
clearer  on  the  25th  march  was  again  resumed  over 
better  roads,  and  going  sixteen  miles,  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  camped  in  the  Mck-a-Jack  swamp, 
tired  and  hungry.  The  26th  was  rainy,  but  the  march 
was  continued  for  ten  miles.  The  roads  were  again 
bad,  through  a  pitch-pine  region  full  of  swamps  and 
needing  to  be  corduroyed.  During  the  halts  fires  were 
made  with  the  pitch  pine  to  dry  the  clothes  of  the  sol 
diers,  which  became  black  and  dirty  from  the  smoke. 
On  account  of  the  delay  occasioned  by  bad  roads  only 
half  a  mile  was  made  on  the  27th.  Passing  through 
Springfield  on  the  28th  and  crossing  the  Ebeneezer 
Kiver,  a  halt  was  made  after  going  eight  miles.  Sis 
ter's  Ferry  was  reached  on  the  29th  and  the  Regiment 
went  into  camp,  remaining  until  February  4th  on 
account  of  high  water  in  the  river  and  swamps,  mak 
ing  pontooning  and  much  corduroying  necessary.  On 
the  latter  date  the  river  was  crossed  and  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  invaded  the  sacred  soil  of  South  Car 
olina.  A  camp  was  made  near  the  steamboat  landing, 
where  rations  and  clothing  were  distributed  to  the  men 
during  the  5th. 

The  entire  army,  then  engaged  in  the  endeavor  to 
escape  from  the  swamps  and  floods  of  the  low  coun 
try  in  its  immediate  front,  was  constituted  as  follows: 
The  right  wing,  of  the  Fifteenth  Corps,  General  John 
A.  Logan,  and  the  Seventeenth  Corps,  General  Blair. 
The  left  wing,  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps,  General  Davis; 
the  Twentieth,  General  Williams;  the  cavalry  division 
of  General  Kilpatrick,  and  Corse's  division,  tempo 
rarily  attached.  The  aggregate  force  was  60,079  men 


286  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

of  the  three  arms,  infantry,  artillery  and  cavalry.  The 
wagon  trains  and  animals  numbered  the  sanle  as  on  the 
march  from  Atlanta.  There  was  forage  for  seven  days 
and  provisions  for  twenty.  The  artillery  amounted  to 
sixty-eight  guns.  That  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps  was 
in  charge  of  Major  Charles  Houghtaling  (afterward 
General)  of  Ottawa.  Few  will  ever  forget  him,  with 
his  long  red  hair  hanging  down  on  his  shoulders  in 
curly  locks.  The  enemy's  infantry  occupied  the  line 
of  the  Salkehatcliie  River,  while  Wheeler's  cavalry 
hovered  around  the  heads  and  flanks  of  our  columns. 
The  right  moved  at  once  to  break  the  rebel  line  and 
soon  crossed  the  river  in  the  face  of  much  opposition, 
but  no  heavy  fighting.  Meantime  the  left  wing  was 
toiling  along  from  Sister's  Ferry,  delayed  by  rain, 
mud  and  constant  corduroying.  Its  movement  ap 
peared  as  a  threat  to  Augusta  while  the  objective  was 
Columbia.  The  latter,  with  Charleston,  stood  in  equal 
danger  of  a  visit  from  Sherman,  and  the  rebel  gen 
erals  were  held  in  uncertainty.  On  the  7th  the  right 
reached  the  railroad  leading  from  Charleston  to  Au 
gusta,  and  expected  to  find  this  important  line  strongly 
defended,  but  it  was  not,  and  taking  possession,  How 
ard's  men  proceeded  to  tear  up  and  destroy  the  rails 
and  ties.  This  was  done  for  a  distance  of  fifty  miles 
in  the  most  complete  manner.  General  Howard  relates 
that  while  approaching  the  railroad  in  line  of  battle 
expecting  a  fight,  he  saw  a  man  come  tearing  toward 
him  on  a  white  horse  guided  by  a  rope  bridle.  The 
General  recognized  him  as  one  of  his  "foragers."  As 
he  came  near  he  called  out,  "Hurry  up,  General,  we 
have  got  the  railroad."  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say 
that  General  Howard  was  both  surprised  and  grati 
fied.  By  the  9th  the  left  wing  had  come  into  line  at 
Barnweil  and  vicinity. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  leaving  camp  on  the 
6th,  marched  ten  miles,  four  of  which  was  through  a 
swamp  which  had  been  corduroyed.  Soon  after  noon 
the  Regiment  passed  through  Robertsville,  but  the 
town  had  been  burned  by  troops  in  the  advance.  It 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  287 

I 

rained  very  hard  and  a  halt  was  made  for  the  night 
near  the  forks  of  the  Orangeburg  Road.  The  storm 
continued  all  of  the  7th,  but  the  Regiment  marched 
ten  miles,  often  stopping  to  remove  the  trees  which 
the  enemy  had  felled  across  the  road.  It  did  not  take 
long  to  clear  these  away  and  going  on  the  Regiment 
camped  after  dark  at  Lawtonville.  This  place  had  also 
been  burned.  A  part  of  the  Brigade  became  lost  in  a 
swamp  and  did  not  reach  camp  until  late.  The  8th 
was  spent  at  Lawtonville,  and  foragers  being  sent  out, 
returned  with  an  abundance  of  forage,  hams,  molasses, 
potatoes  and  peas.  Leaving  camp  at  seven  o'clock  on 
the  9th  the  Regiment  made  a  long  march  of  twenty 
miles  and  halted  at  Mathew's  Bluff.  Starting  early 
on  the  10th  night  found  the  command  near  Barnwell 
Court  House.  The  foragers  came  in  loaded  with  sup 
plies,  showing  that  something  besides  hell  could  be 
raised  in  South  Carolina,  though  from  the  numerous 
conflagrations  along  the  way  that  much  talked  of  place 
might  be  supposed  to  have  its  location  there.  Lelaud 
says  of  the  llth:  "We  marched  through  Barnwell, 
which  was  being  destroyed,  and  camped  at  a  saw  mill, 
having  made  eighteen  miles.  As  we  passed,  a  man 
who  was  trying  to  keep  the  fire,  then  burning  his  house, 
from  spreading  to  the  fences  and  buildings,  one  of  the 
boys  asked  him  how  his  house  caught  fire.  Rather  cool.-11' 
The  different  corps  moved  in  near  connection  on  the 
llth,  the  Seventeenth  striking  for  Orangeburg,  an 
important  place,  which,  when  secured,  the  communica 
tion  between  Charleston  and  Columbia  would  be  sev 
ered.  The  division  of  General  Giles  A.  Smith  entered 
the  town  and  found  several  houses  burning  which  had 
been  set  on  fire  before  the  arrival  of  our  men.  The 
fire  was  put  out.  A  large  building  filled  with  orphan 
children  sent  from  Charleston  was  given  protection  by 
General  Sherman.  The  depot  was  burned  and  rail 
road  destroyed.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched 
on  the  12th  to  White  Pond  Station  and  beyond,  destroy 
ing  its  allotment  of  railroad  (the  Charleston  and  Au 
gusta).  This  road  was  wholly  ruined  to  within  twelve 


288  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

miles  of  Augusta.  General  Sherman  on  the  comple 
tion  of  the  work  directed  his  army  toward  Columbia. 
His  movements  thus  far  had  been  so  confusing  that 
the  rebel  generals  knew  not  where  to  meet  him.  How 
ever,  they  evidently  thought  he  would  not  fail  to  strike 
Charleston  and  prepared  to  receive  him  there,  as  they 
did  also  at  Augusta.  But  they  could  not  then  con 
centrate  a  heavy  force  at  any  point.  Columbia  was 
left  unguarded  except  by  Wade  Hampton's  and  But 
ler's  cavalry. 

On  the  13th  of  February  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  marched  to  the  south  branch  of  the  Edisto 
Kiver,  arriving  there  at  noon.  In  the  afternoon  the 
Regiment  crossed  over  and  going  five  miles  camped 
at  Bullard's  Mills.  The  men  drew  three  days'  rations 
here,  which,  with  what  was  drawn  from  the  country 
for  twenty  miles  on  each  side,  assured  them  against 
the  danger  of  starvation.  The  foragers,  called  "bum 
mers,"  kept  the  w^hole  army  well  supplied  with  all  the 
country  afforded.  One  day  a  party  of  them  visiting  a 
plantation,  proceeded  to  levy  on  the  poultry,  pork, 
cows,  etc.  Finally  they  came  to  the  small  out-build 
ing  used  for  smoking  hams.  This  was  located  on  the 
side  of  a  hill,  and  entering  from  the  upper  side,  their 
eager  eyes  directed  upward,  where  a  lot  of  hams  hung 
on  the  rafters,  they  did  not  notice  the  loose  planks  in 
the  floor.  One  of  the  boys,  stepping  on  the  end  of  one 
of  these,  was  unceremoniously  pitched  into  the  cellar, 
falling  into  a  hogshead  of  sorghum,  and  thereafter  was 
called  by  that  name.  Whether  our  gay  "bummer"  was 
rendered  any  sweeter  in  person  and  disposition  by  the 
novel  bath,  deponent  saith  not.  Eains  prevailed  on 
the  14th,  but  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  made  a 
march  of  twenty-one  miles,  crossing  during  the  day  the 
north  branch  of  the  Edisto  River.  At  night  a  halt  was 
made  at  the  Wateree  Ferry  Cross  Roads,  nineteen  miles 
from  Columbia.  The  whole  army  was  now  converging 
on  that  city,  the  capital  of  the  State,  and  met  with  no 
opposition  except  from  cavalry.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  marching  until  four  p.  m.  of  the  15th, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  289" 

halted,  and  while  preparing  the  bivouac,  expecting 
to  remain  all  night,  received  an  order  to  march  to  Lex 
ington  Court  House.  This  place  was  reached  at  eleven 
and  the  rest  of  the  night  spent  there.  During  the  day 
a  few  men  were  captured  by  incautiously  venturing 
too  far  away  from  our  lines,  among  them  Lieutenant 
Channell,  of  Battery  C.  The  Regiment  acted  as  Pro 
vost  Guard  in  Lexington  until  noon  of  the  16th.  It 
then  resumed  the  march  and  guarded  a  train  to  the 
Saluda  River.  Here  the  rest  of  the  Brigade  was  found. 
Going  one  mile  further  the  command  bivouacked  in  the 
swamp  until  the  morning  of  the  17th,  when,  starting 
again,  Rockville  Postoffice  was  passed,  and  having 
marched  ten  miles,  a  halt  was  made  at  Spring  Hill 
until  the  19th.  The  camp  was  in  a  cedar  grove  and  an 
improvement  on  many  previous  ones.  General  Sher 
man  says  in  his  "Memoirs"  that  on  the  16th  he  camped 
near  the  old  prison  camp  opposite  Columbia,  known 
as  "Camp  Sorghum,"  where  he  saw  the  remains  of  the 
mud  hovels  and  holes  made  by  our  men  w^hen  prison 
ers.  Possibly  he  may  have  observed  the  one  built  by 
the  writer.  This  "pen"  was  situated  about  three  miles 
from  the  city,  across  the  river.  The  Seventeenth  Corps 
arrived  there  on  the  16th  and  camped  on  the  bank  of 
the  river.  The  Fifteenth  Corps  was  four  miles  above* 
The  left  wing  of  the  army  was  directed  to  turn  north 
again.  On  the  17th  the  Fifteenth  crossed  the  Broad 
River  on  a  pontoon  bridge  and  occupied  Columbia. 
Generals  Sherman,  Howard  and  Logan  accompanied 
the  column.  Hampton's  cavalry  had  retired,  but  before 
leaving  had  set  fire  to  a  quantity  of  cotton,  and  from 
there  the  fire  spread,  aided  by  a  very  high  wrind,  until 
before  the  next  morning  eighty  squares  of  buildings 
in  the  heart  of  the  city  had  been  consumed.  Our  sol 
diers  under  Howard's  orders  assisted  in  the  endeavor 
to  stop  the  flames,  but  without  avail.  It  was  asserted 
for  a  long  time  that  the  soldiers  fired  the  city,  but  this 
wa-s  proven  to  be  untrue  in  the  "cotton  investigations" 
later.  While  in  the  city  several  of  our  escaped  pris 
oners  who  had  been  confined  there  waited  on  General 


290  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Sherman,  among  others  Adjutant  Byers,  whose  famous 
song  Sherman  then  saw  for  the  first  time,  and  the  result 
was  that  he  attached  the  Lieutenant  to  his  Staff,  where 
he  remained  until  Fayetteville  was  reached.  Byers 
was  then  sent  to  Washington  as  a  bearer  of  dispatches. 
During  the  18th  and  19th  the  state  arsenal,  with  vast 
quantities  of  shot  and  shell,  was  destroyed,  also  many 
foundries  and  machine  shops.  Columbia  was  reduced 
to  a  state  of  ruin  by  the  20th  and  South  Carolina  had 
by  this  time  realized  some  of  the  fruits  of  secession  and 
rebellion.  The  right  wing  then  began  the  march 
toward  Winnsboro.  As  one  result  of  Sherman's 
movements  Charleston,  which  had  been  able  to  repel 
every  attack,  was  evacuated  on  the  28th  of  February 
by  Hardee,  and  at  once  occupied  by  General  Foster's 
troops.  General  Hardee  hastened  with  his  forces  to 
North  Carolina  to  get  ahead  of  Sherman's  columns. 
About  this  time  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston,  who  had 
been  abused  and  mistreated  by  President  Jeff.  Davis, 
was,  in  the  new  and  threatening  state  of  Confederate 
affairs,  called  to  the  command  of  all  the  forces  in  South 
and  North  Carolina,  as  the  only  rebel  general  capable 
of  accomplishing  anything  against  Sherman's  victo 
rious  army.  Thus  the  main  part  of  Sherman's  army 
failed  to  see  Columbia,  but  under  orders  marched 
toward  Winnsboro.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
leaving  camp  on  the  19th,  crossed  the  Broad  River  at 
Threshley's  Mill  and  bivouacked  at  Gibson's  Meeting 
House.  Alex.  Coyle,  of  Company  E,  but  detailed  at 
regimental  headquarters,  and  who  had  been  sent  out 
foraging,  came  in  with  five  fine  mules  and  four  horses. 
A  soldier  of  the  Eighty-eighth  Indiana  was  accidentally 
shot  here.  On  the  20th  the  Regiment  broke  camp  before 
sunrise  and  marching  six  miles  crossed  Little  River 
and  bivouacked  at  Ebeneezer  Church.  Here  Captain 
Ross,  who  had  been  sent  out  with  a  party  of  foragers, 
came  into  camp  in  the  evening,  bringing  among  other 
things  seven  mules  and  a  span  of  horses  attache^  to  a 
silver-mounted  carriage,  in  which  was  packed  away 
hams  and  shoulders.  The  Regiment,  supplied  with 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  291 

about  thirty  pack  mules,  started  the  next  morning  well 
loaded  with  supplies  and  all  were  in  a  happy  mood. 
Leland  remarks  in  regard  to  the  21st:  "Crossed  the 
Little  Wateree  River  and  reached  Winnsboro  at  noon, 
in  time  for  dinner.  Before  our  arrival  a  milliner  in 
town,  declaring  that  the  Yankees  should  not  get  her 
stock  of  goods,  set  them  on  fire,  and  a  strong  wind  blow 
ing,  the  entire  city  was  soon  in  flames.  In  the  after 
noon  we  marched  five  miles  to  White  Oak  Grove,  on 
the  railroad,  and  camped  after  a  march  of  seventeen 
miles."  Courtright  says:  "The  foraging  on  the  21st 
was  good.  The  foragers  brought  in  besides  the  usual 
supplies,  a  lot  of  tobacco  and  wine.  Of  the  latter  some 
of  the  boys  had  too  much  for  their  own  good."  From 
Winnsboro  the  right  wing  was  deflected  toward  Che- 
raw  and  Fayetteville,  North  Carolina.  The  left  wing 
moved  for  Rocky  Mount,  preceded  by  the  cavalry.  On 
the  22d  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  broke  camp  be 
fore  sunrise  and  passing  through  Youngstown  reached 
Blackstock  on  the  railroad,  and  stopping  long  enough 
to  destroy  five  hundred  yards  (its  allotment)  moved 
to  the  main  Chesterfield  road  and  camped.  Marching- 
early  on  the  23d  past  Gladden's  Grove  to  Rocky  Mount, 
fourteen  miles,  a  halt  w^as  made  just  in  time  to  pitch 
the  "pup"  tents  before  the  rain,  which  had  been  threat 
ened  all  day,  came  down  in  torrents.  This  continued 
all  night  and  the  whole  of  the  24th  and  25th,  obliging 
the  army  to  remain  in  camp.  Leland  says  concerning 
the  event  of  the  26th:  "The  Brigade  moved  down  to 
the  Catawba  River  and  camped  at  the  mouth  of  Rocky 
Mount  Creek.  Nick  McCormick,  of  Company  B,  came 
in  at  night  with  his  left  wrist  shattered,  and  reported 
the  foraging  detail  that  had  been  sent  out  in  the  morn 
ing  all  captured.  He  escaped  by  swimming  Fishing 
Creek  after  being  wounded.  The  party  was  as  follows : 
Captain  W.  C.  Ross  and  John  Mellon,  of  Company  B; 
William  Buckley,  Company  A;  C.  G.  Phillips,  Company 
D ;  C.  Brock,  Company  F ;  j.  H.  Misner  and  J.  C.  Carnes, 
Company  G;  W.  Lakin,  Company  I;  M.  B.  Bushnell, 
Company  K.  On  th,e  27th  Major  Widmer,  command- 


292  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ing  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  was  sent  out  by  Gen 
eral  Hobart  with  the  Regiment  to  forage  and  hunt  for 
the  party.  It  was  learned  that  the  foragers  had  been 
captured  at  Stroud's  Mill  on  Fishing  Creek."  The  name 
of  John  E.  Merritt,  of  Company  H,  who  escaped  with 
McCormick,  should  be  added  to  the  above.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  while  out  on  this  expedition,  did. 
not  see  their  captured  comrades,  but  encountered  plenty 
of  rebel  cavalry  and  did  some  skirmishing,  but  the  lat 
ter  did  not  care  to  approach  too  near  the  superior  rifles, 
of  our  boys.  Captain  StraAvn  relates  the  following  inci 
dent  that  ocurred:  "A  'contract'  surgeon  who  had. 
accompanied  us  accidentally  got  between  our  men  and 
the  rebels.  Becoming  panic-stricken  he  made  a  dash 
for  the  Regiment  and  using  his  spurs  more  than  his.-, 
eyes,  ran  his  horse  into  a  ditch  and  was  pitched  head 
long  into  the  red  mud,  being  completely  plastered  Avith 
it.  Catching  his  horse  and  picking  up  his  accoutre 
ments  he  came  toward  us  as  if  all  Wheeler's  cavalry 
was  at  his  heels.  His  haste  and  comical  appearance 
caused  all  to  laugh,  though  he  himself  failed  to  see 
where  the  fun  came  in." 

The  incessant  and  heavy  rains  had  so  swollen  the 
Catawba  that  the  pontoon  bridge  could  not  be  anchored, 
in  fact  had  been  carried  away,  and  the  whole  Four 
teenth  Corps  remained  isolated  on  the  west  bank  until 
the  28th.  The  Twentieth  Corps,  however,  had  crossed 
before  the  break,  and  was  then  in  advance  at  Hanging 
Rock,  in  camp.  The  Regiment  crossed  the  river  in  the 
afternoon  of  the  28th.  Captain  Strawn  mentions  the 
following  curious  event:  "While  on  our  way  to  the 
pontoon  we  came  across  one  of  those  rude  rail  pens 
built  after  the  fashion  of  such  structures  in  the  back 
woods  to  keep  hogs  from  disturbing  graves.  At  first 
we  supposed  that  some  man  had  fought  his  last  fight 
and  was  buried  there,  but  on  close  inspection,  an  officer 
was  found  to  be  lying  on  top  of  the  ground — dead 
drunk.  Who  he  was,  or  how  long  he  had  been  tkere 
before  he  became  conscious,  we  never  learned." 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  on  March  1st  guarded! 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

the  train  through  to  Hanging  Rock  and  were  much 
delayed  by  bad  roads,  only  fourteen  miles  being  accom 
plished.  The  Fifteenth  and  Seventeenth  Corps  reached 
Cheraw.  On  the  2d  the  Regiment  after  going  half  a 
mile  halted  until  nine,  and  then  moving  forward 
inarched  fourteen  miles  to  Wharton's  tavern.  The 
roads  were  so  bad  as  to  make  constant  corduroying 
necessary.  The  advance  forces  on  entering  Chester 
field  skirmished  with  Butler's  cavalry.  The  foragers 
were  not  successful  in  obtaining  anything.  General 
Sherman  here  learned  that  Hardee  had  retreated  across 
the  Great  Pedee  River.  Cheraw,  occupied  by  Howard, 
was  found  to  be  full  of  rebel  supplies  of  -all  kinds. 
Among  these  were  twenty-four  cannon,  two  thousand 
muskets,  and  thirty-six  hundred  barrels  of  gunpowder. 
The  people  of  Charleston  had  also  sent  their  valuable 
household  goods  to  Cheraw  for  supposed  safety,  but 
probably  soon  realized  that  nothing  was  safe  from 
Sherman's  army.  Among  their  numerous  assets  were 
many  cases  of  the  finest  old  Madeira,  which  were  duly 
taken  care  of  and  distributed.  General  Sherman  gives 
the  following  interesting  colloquy  between  himself  and 
a  negro  on  the  way  to  Cheraw.  The  General  asked: 
"What  road  is  this?  "Him  lead  to  Cheraw,  master!" 
"Is  it  a  good  road,  and  how  far?"  "A  very  good  road, 
and  eight  or  ten  miles."  "Any  guerrillas?"  "Oh,  no, 
master,  dey  is  gone  two  days  ago ;  you  could  have 
played  cards  on  der  coat-tails,  dey  was  in  sich  a  hurry!" 
On  the  3d  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  encountered 
the  worst  roads  it  had  yet  seen,  but  toiled  slowly  along 
in  the  rain,  halting  at  noon  near  Oxhaw  for  dinner. 
Crossing  Lynch  Creek  and  moving  on  the  camp  was 
reached  at  Blackleys  after  a  march  of  fourteen  miles. 
On  the  4th  the  Regiment  marched  fifteen  miles  and 
during  the  day  crossed  the  state  line  into  North  Car 
olina.  Foraging  poor.  Here  General  Sherman  issued 
an  order  to  the  army  calling  upon  all  to  be  moderate 
in  North  Carolina  in  their  foraging  and  treatment  of 
the  people,  who  had  been  forced  into  the  rebellion 
against  the  will  of  the  majority.  He  therefore  relied 


294  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

upon  the  soldiers  to  show  the  people  of  the  State  that 
they  had  respect  for  them  and  would  take  only  such, 
supplies  as  were  necessary  for  subsistence.  It  is  be 
lieved  that  the  order  was  obeyed  pretty  generally.  On 
the  5th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  in  rear 
of  the  Corps  to  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  the 
Great  Pedee  River,  and  remained  in  camp  until  the 
7th,  waiting  for  the  pontoon  to  be  laid.  This  bridge 
was  thrown  at  Regent's  Ferry,  nine  miles  above  Che- 
raw,  and  consisted  of  forty-two  pontoon  boats,  four  of 
which  were  wagon  boxes  covered  with  canvas.  On 
the  7th  the  Regiment  crossed  the  Pedee  at  one  o'clock, 
marched  for  awhile  toward  Rockingham,  then  taking 
the  Fayetteville  road  through  the  pine  woods  to  Jacobs', 
camped  for  the  night,  having  covered  fifteen  miles 
between  ten  and  six  o'clock.  But  the  record  of  the  8th 
beat  all  previous  ones.  Leland  says:  "We  started  at 
six  a.  m.  and  halted  for  dinner  at  eleATen  a.  in.,  having 
marched  fifteen  miles  in  five  hours,  which  elicited  the 
remark  from  General  Sherman,  who  was  with  our  col 
umn,  that  "it  was  the  d — st  marching  I  ever  saw."  But 
we  had  two  objects  in  view;  first,  to  gain  the  Fayette 
ville  plank  road  before  the  Twentieth  Corps  and  take 
the  advance.  And  secondly,  to  prevent  the  enemy's  cav 
alry  from  burning  Blue's  bridge  over  Downing  Creek. 
We  accomplished  both  purposes.  After  dinner  Ave 
crossed  the  creek  and  went  into  camp  at  the  thirty- 
fourth  mile  post  from  Fayetteville,  having  marched 
twenty-two  miles  through  a  steady  rain  from  the  time 
of  starting."  Wrhile  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  were 
thus  making  quick  time  for  the  "objective,"  Captain 
Strawn  had  been  sent  out  after  crossing  the  Pedee  in 
command  of  a  large  body  of  foragers  and  directed  to 
march  towards  Rockingham.  He  says :  "I  was  directed 
to  secure,  if  possible,  a  lot  of  flour.  The  cavalry,  as 
usual,  were  ahead,  but  we  had  no  trouble  in  keeping 
up  with  them.  At  night  we  camped  a  few  miles  from 
Rockingham.  The  next  morning  we  were  off  bright; 
and  early  for  the  towrn  and  arrived  in  time  to  see  the 
cavalry  drive  out  some  rebel  troopers.  Of  course  our 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  2^5 

cavalry  gobbled  most  of  the  flour  and  left  us  scant 
pickings.  While  searching  diligently  for  what  might 
be  hidden  in  outhouses,  one  of  our  boys  found  a  quan 
tity  of  coined  silver  stuffed  under  the  shingles  on  the 
plates  that  held  the  rafters.  Now,  this  was  not  strictly 
something  to  eat,  but  there  being  no  one  to  claim  it, 
and  it  being  certain  that  some  one  with  no  better  right 
would  carry  it  off,  the  finder  kept  it,  but  had  much 
trouble  to  carry  the  bulky  stuff  into  camp,  where  I 
learned  that  he  disposed  of  the  booty  to  another  sol 
dier  who  had  a  'pull'  on  a  baggage  wagon.  One  of  the 
boys  informed  me  that  on  the  march  he  threatened  to 
throw  it  away,  when  one  and  another  offered  to  let 
him  divide.  On  our  return  to  the  Brigade  I  found  that 
there  had  been  some  anxiety  about  us  as  we  had  gone 
quite  a  distance  from  the  route  of  the  main  army  and 
were  nearly  surrounded  by  Wheeler's  cavalry  at  times." 
General  Sherman,  who  was  with  the  Fifteenth 
Corps,  reached  Laurel  Hill  on  the  8th  of  March.  The 
Twentieth  Corps  followed  the  Fourteenth  into  Fay- 
etteville.  The  Seventeenth  Corps  was  on  the  right  and 
Kilpatrick's  cavalry  guarded  the  left  of  the  army 
toward  Wradesboro.  Hampton's  and  Wheeler's  cav 
alry  were  in  his  front,  but  he  'drove  them  steadily  be 
fore  him.  General  Sherman,  while  at  Laurel  Hill,  sent 
Corporal  Pike,  a  trusted  scout,  in  disguise,  to  work 
his  way  down  the  Cape  Fear  River  to  Wilmington  with 
letters  in  cipher  announcing  his  approach.  This  Cor 
poral  Pike  was  with  Thomas  on  the  Chickarnauga  cam 
paign  and  well  known  to  the  writer.  The  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  marched  twelve  miles  on  the  9th  and 
bivouacked  at  Montrose  Postoffice.  Courtright,  who 
had  been  out  with  a  foraging  party  and  lost  his  way, 
reported  to  the  Kegiment.  The  march  was  resumed 
on  the  10th,  and  after  going  nine  miles,  a  halt  was 
made  for  the  night  thirteen  miles  from  Fayetteville. 
On  this  date,  Kilpatrick  met  with  a  surprise  from 
Hampton's  troopers,  but  escaping  with  a  part  of  his 
men  into  a  swamp,  he  reformed  them  and  charging  the 
enemy  recovered  his  camp  and  most  of  his  artillery. 


296  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

The  Fourteenth  Corps  was  the  first  to  arrive  in 
Fayetteville,  which  it  did  on  the  llth,  and  was  fol 
lowed  by  the  rest  of  the  army.  As  our  troops  entered 
the  enemy  under  Hardee  left,  crossed  the  Cape  Fear 
and  burned  the  bridge.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
reached  the  city  about  noon  and  after  halting  for  din 
ner  went  into  camp,  w^here  it  remained  until  the  13th 
of  March.  The  boys  thus  had  an  opportunity  to  view 
this  beautiful  and  important  place.  The  old  United 
States  arsenal  was  located  here  and  had  been  used  by 
the  rebels  as  a  manufactory  of  arms.  Before  leaving 
General  Sherman  ordered  its  destruction.  The  office  of 
the  "Observer,"  a  virulent  rebel  newspaper,  was  also 
burned.  The  attainment  by  the  army  of  a  point  so 
near  the  theater  of  operations  in  Virginia,  and  one 
where  communications  could  be  opened  with  the  North 
and  home,  and  mail  received,  was  a  source  of  joy  to  all. 
Wilmington  had  been  captured  by  General  Terry's 
forces  on  February  22d.  About  noon  of  the  12th  the 
shrill  whistle  of  a  steamboat  was  heard  on  the  river. 
It  was  Sunday  and  this  salutation  from  the  outside 
world  breaking  on  the  Sabbath  stillness  sent  a  thrill 
of  gladness  through  the  army,  which  knew  well  its 
meaning.  The  bearer  of  glad  tidings  steamed  into  port 
and  its  captain  bore  dispatches  for  General  Sherman. 
Corporal  Pike  had  quickly  performed  his  errand  and 
this  the  answer.  At  six  p.m.  the  boat  returned  to  Wil 
mington  with  letters  from  General  Sherman  to  various 
high  officials.  In  one  to  Secretary  Stauton  he  said: 
"The  army  is  in  splendid  health,  condition  and  spirits, 
though  we  have  had  foul  weather,  and  roads  that 
would  have  stopped  travel  to  almost  any  other  body 
of  men  I  ever  heard  of."  Well  might  General  Sherman 
be  proud  of  his  army  and  satisfied  with  the  results 
achieved  on  this  inarch  of  nearly  four  hundred  miles 
from  Savannah.  The  obstacles  encountered  were  many 
and  mostly  those  of  nature.  The  rains  had  been  almost 
continuous  since  starting.  The  swamps  and  lowlands 
were  flooded.  Several  great  rivers  needed  to  be  pon- 
tooned.  Nearly  everv  mile  of  the  roads  was  cordu- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  297 

royed.  Besides  the  important  cities,  with  their  arse 
nals,  munitions  of  war,  and  public  property,  and  rail 
roads,  captured  or  destroyed,  the  effect  of  the  move 
ment  resulted  in  the  evacuation  of  Charleston  and, 
remotely,  the  fall  of  Wilmington.  But  not  less  por 
tent  ious  to  the  rebels  was  the  result  in  the  new  dan 
ger  threatening  Lee's  army  in  Virginia,  only  some  two 
hundred  miles  distant.  Sherman  having  disposed  of 
Johnston's  army,  estimated  at  this  time  to  contain 
thirty-seven  thousand  men,  could  march  to  the  assist 
ance  of  General  Grant.  Truly,  the  rebel  leaders  were 
being  slowly  driven  to  their  last  lines  of  defense  and 
knew  not  which  way  to  turn.  General  Sherman  con 
sidered  the  possibility  of  Lee's  abandoning  Richmond 
and  inarching  to  form  a  junction  with  Johnston.  In 
this  event  General  Grant  would  follow  Lee  wherever 
he  might  go.  But  General  Sherman,  having,  with  Scho- 
field's  Army  of  the  Ohio,  then  approaching  Goldsboro, 
nearly  ninety  thousand  men,  felt  able  to  meet  and  con 
quer  any  combination  that  could  be  brought  against 
him. 

On  March  13th  the  army,  having  rested  for  a  day 
and  replenished  somewhat  its  depleted  supplies  of  cof 
fee  and  sugar,  other  articles,  particularly  shoes  and 
clothing,  not  being  available,  set  out  again  on  the 
march  and  was  directed  toward  Goldsboro.  General 
Johnston  was  supposed  to  be  concentrating  his  forces 
near  Raleigh,  but  there  was  a  possibility  of  his  attempt 
ing  to  intervene  between  Sherman  and  Schoneld,  and 
this  made  a  speedy  junction  with  the  latter  desirable. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  left  camp  on  the  13th 
and,  crossing  the  Cape  Fear  River  on  a  pontoon  bridge, 
marched  out  some  three  miles  on  the  Raleigh  plank 
road  and  bivouacked.  Supplies  being  scarce,  cow  peas 
formed  for  several  days  the  principal  article  of  diet. 
The  Regiment  remained  in  camp  on  the  14th,  as  some 
boats  had  arrived  from  Wilmington  with  supplies, 
which  w^ere  transferred  to  the  wagons.  The  15th  was 
rainy,  but  the  march  was  resumed,  and  after  going  eight 
miles  the  Regiment  went  into  camp.  The  army  was 


298  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH      . 

now  disposed  as  follows:  The  Seventeenth  Corps  on 
the  right,  the  Fifteenth  next,  and  the  Fourteenth  and 
Twentieth  on  the  left,  with  Kilpatrick's  cavalry  pro 
tecting  that  flank,  which  it  seemed  probable  might  be 
attacked.  All  the  trains  were  moved  on  interior  roads, 
further  east  toward  Goldsboro.  Slocum's  column 
encountered  resistance  as  it  advanced  north  and  the 
cavalry  did  considerable  skirmishing  in  front,  captur 
ing  among  others,  Colonel  Albert  Rhett,  a  celebrated 
South  Carolina  fire-eater,  who  was  much  chagrined. 
He  had  commanded  a  brigade,  then  acting  as  rear 
guard.  It  being  apparent  that  the  enemy  was  in  strong 
force  in  front,  Slocum  moved  with  caution  on  the  16th, 
until  approaching  Averysboro,  Hardee's  army  was 
found  occupying  a  strong  position  on  swampy  ground 
between  the  Cape  Fear  and  South  Rivers.  General 
Sherman,  who  was  on  the  left,  directed  an  immediate 
attack.  General  Slocum  deployed  Jackson's  and  part 
of  Ward's  diArisions  in  front,  while  a  brigade  was  sent 
far  around  on  the  left  to  take  the  enemy  in  the  flank. 
The  latter  movement  resulted  in  driving  them  in  rout 
from  their  first  line  and  the  capture  of  Rhett's  bri 
gade  together  with  Macbeth's  battery  of  three  guns.  A 
general  attack  was  now  prepared  for  by  forming  the 
first  and  second  divisions  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps  on 
the  left  of  Jackson.  Kilpatrick  being  sent  to  seize  the 
Bentonville  road  was  driven  back  by  the  division  of 
McLaw's.  The  attacking  forces,  then  advancing,  drove 
Hardee's  army  within  his  intrenchments  and  was  press 
ing  him  close  when  night  came  on.  In  the  disposal  for 
attack  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  occupied  a  posi 
tion  in  the  front  line,  but  was  scarcely  engaged  and 
lost  no  men,  On  the  morning  of  the  17th  it  was  found 
that  Hardee  had  abandoned  his  works  and  retreated. 
Our  losses  in  *he  battle  of  Averysboro  were  twelve  offi 
cers  and  sixty-five  men  killed,  and  four  hundred  and 
seventy-seven  men  wounded.  The  enemy  left  one  hun 
dred  and  seventy-eight  men  dead  on  the  field,  the  num 
ber  of  wounded  not  known.  Several  hundred  prisoners 
were  taken.  The  army  continued  the  march  toward 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  299 

Goldsboro  on  the  17th,  the  Fourteenth  Corps  leading. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  inarched  six  miles 
through  swamps  and  creeks  and  camped.  The  roads 
traversed  on  the  18th  were  bad,  with  many  deep  creeks 
to  wade,  but  the  Regiment  marched  fourteen  miles. 
Some  of  the  foragers  brought  in  good  supplies  of  hams, 
chickens,  turkeys,  and  sweet  potatoes. 

General  Sherman,  believing  that  Johnston's  army 
had  retreated  to  Smithfield  and  would  not  further  op 
pose  his  march  to  Goldsboro,  joined  Howard's  column 
and  pushed  hard  for  that  place.  The  roads  were  bad 
and  the  lines  were  well  stretched  out,  but  Sherman 
was  anxious  to  meet  Schofield.  He  apparently  lost  for 
the  time  his  usual  caution  in  allowing  the  two  wings 
to  be  so  widely  separated  in  the  presence  of  his  w^ily 
antagonist.  The  latter  had  by  forced  marches  effected 
a  junction  with  Hardee  at  Bentonville,  where  he  had 
caused  several  miles  of  works  to  be  erected  and  was 
ready  to  fight,  offensively  and  defensively.  Well  posted 
as  to  Sherman's  movements  a  trap  was  prepared  by 
Johnston,  which  added  new  credit  to  his  skill  as  a  com 
mander.  Two  isolated  divisions  of  the  Fourteenth 
Corps  Avere  approaching  his  lines,  two  more  were  sev 
eral  miles  distant,  the  rest  of  the  left  wing  was  scat 
tered  for  ten  miles  in  the  rear.  He  proposed  to  attack 
and  destroy  these  in  detail.  Howard  was  known  to 
be  too  far  away  to  afford  immediate  assistance.  That 
Johnston  did, not  succeed  was  owing  to  conditions  aris 
ing  which  he  could  not  control  and  which  developed 
later.  The  left  wing,  under  Slocum,  marched  early  on 
the  19th  of  March,  Carlin's  Division  leading.  Hobart's 
Brigade  was  in  advance  and  had  proceeded  leisurely 
along  for  some  three  or  four  miles  toward  Bentonville, 
meeting  with  some  show  of  resistance  from  Dibbrell's 
Cavalry,  as  was  supposed,  from  behind  rail  barricades. 
These  were  driven  off,  but  the  character  of  the  oppo 
sition  indicated  heavier  forces  behind.  Major  Wid- 
mer,  who  commanded  the  Regiment,  advanced  care 
fully  in  the  w^oods  on  the  right  of  the  road,  when  his 
attention  was  called  by  Sherman  Leland  to  what 


•300  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

seemed  to  be  a  rebel  battery  not  far  distant  in  front. 
Almost  simultaneously  a  cannon  ball  came  whistling 
among  the  trees  and  heavy  lines  of  rebel  skirmishers 
opened  up  in  front.  These  were  at  once  engaged  by 
Captain  Strawn,  who  commanded  our  skirmish  line, 
and  the  action  became  general  in  front  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  and  the  Brigade.  Major  Widmer  con 
tributes  the  following  account  of  the  battle  of  Benton- 
ville  on  the  19th,  and  the  part  taken  in  it  by  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  and  Hobart's  Brigade:  "The  bat 
tle  of  the  19th  was  in  the  nature  of  a  surprise  to  Car- 
lin's  Division,  and  especially  to  Hobart's  Brigade,  while 
on  the  march.  Early  in  the  morning  the  Brigade  started 
out  on  the  road  to  Goldsboro  by  wray  of  Cox's 
bridge  in  the  following  order:  Ninety-fourth  Ohio, 
Eighty-eighth  Indiana,  Thirty-third  Ohio,  Forty-second 
Indiana,  Twenty-first  Wisconsin,  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  Illinois,  the  first  three  regiments  composing 
what  was  then  called  the  right  wing  of  the  Brigade,  and 
the  last  three  the  left  wing.  In  advance  of  the  column 
and  spreading  right  and  left  over  the  country,  were  the 
usual  details  of  foragers,  who,  thus  far  on  the  long 
march  from  Savannah,  had  been  able  to  brush  away 
any  bodies  of  rebel  cavalry  that  attempted  to  impede 
our  progress.  When  the  Brigade  w^as  about  three  miles 
out  on  the  road  a  scattering  musketry  fir  half  a  mile 
or  so  in  advance  was  heard,  which  gradually  increased 
until  it  assumed  the  proportions  of  a  lively  skirmish, 
and  as  the  Brigade  approached  the  scene  it  was  dis 
covered  that  the  'bummers'  had  for  once  got  hold  of 
something  they  could  not  get  away  with. 

"The  Brigade,  under  the  direction  of  General  Car- 
lin,  was  promptly  brought  into  line  of  battle  on  the 
right  (east)  side  of  the  road,  the  right  wing  in  advance, 
the  left  wing  in  reserve.  The  right  wing  was  then 
ordered  to  charge,  which  it  did  in  handsome  style,  driv 
ing  the  enemy  from  his  line  of  rail  barricades,  and 
following  him  rapidly  across  some  open  fields  and  into 
heavy  timber  beyond.  As  soon  as  the  barricades  were 
carried  the  left  wing,  still  in  line  of  battle  (the  One 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  301. 

Hundred  and  Fourth  being  the  left  regiment),  was 
ordered  to  join  in  the  pursuit,  which  was  maintained 
for  more  than  half  a  inile  at  a  very  rapid  pace,  some 
times  on  the  double  quick,  and  until  this  wing  had 
nearly  arrived  at  a  point  where  the  Goldsboro  road,, 
which  for  som  distance  ran  almost  north,  turned  east 
ward.  Here  the  left  Aving  was  ordered  to  halt,  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  being  on  the  left  side  of  the 
road,  and  the  other  two  regiments  to  the  right  of  it, 
all  in  line  fronting  northward,  and  still  in  heavy  tim 
ber. 

"The  right  wing  of  the  Brigade  had  pushed  on  sev 
eral  hundred  yards  further  to  the  north  and  away  from 
the  road  as  it  turned  eastward.  To  its  front  was  an 
open  field,  on  the  further  side  of  which,  in  plain  view, 
was  a  line  of  earthworks  stretching  across  the  field 
and  into  the  woods,  right  and  left,  but  how  far  could 
not  be  seen.  In  fact,  as  it  was  afterward  ascertained, 
the  line  of  works  to  the  right  bore  southward  so  as  to 
cross  the  Goldsboro  road  a  short  distance  east  of 
the  turn  in  the  road.  Behind  these  works  were  the 
old  veterans  in  gray,  ready  to  give  us  their  warmest 
reception  ;  and  here  in  the  timber  was  our  little  Bri 
gade  of  twelve  hundred  men,  facing  what  proved  to  be 
the  whole  of  Johnston's  army,  but  still  supposing  it 
had  nothing  but  cavalry  to  drive  aAvay,  and  then 
resume  its  march. 

"The  left  wing  had  halted  but  a  few  moments,  Avhen 
a  rebel  battery  in  their  line  of  works  opened  fire,  sweep 
ing  with  shot  and  shell  the  road  coming  up  from  the 
south  through  the  timber.  The  wing  was  then  moved 
east  of  the  road  about  two  hundred  yards  and  again 
brought  to  a  front  facing  northward.  Just  as  the- 
movement  was  completed  General  Carlin  discovered 
the  enemy  was  advancing  on  the  right  flank  of  this 
line.  He  in  person  ordered  me  to  move  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  to  the  rear,  change  front  to  the  east, , 
advance  and  prevent  the  rebels  from  turning  that  flank. 
I  did  as  directed,  throwing  Company  P  forward  as  skir 
mishers  under  Captain  Strawn,  who  soon  struck  the 


302  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

oncoming  rebel  skirmishers  and  a  warm  fight  ensued, 
resulting  in  stopping  the  enemy's  advance  on  that 
flank.  By  this  movement  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
obtained  a  position  in  heavy  timber  about  five  hun 
dred  yards  to  the  right  of  the  road,  and  fronting  east 
ward.  In  a  short  time  the  Third  Brigade  of  Carlin's 
Division  came  up  on  the  right  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  thus  extending  the  line  of  battle  southward 
the  length  of  that  brigade,  and  the  Twenty-first  Wis 
consin  came  into  line  on  the  left  of  our  Regiment,  and 
the  Forty-second  Indiana  on  the  left  of  the  Twenty- 
first  Wisconsin  the  line  of  these  two  regiments  com 
ing  somewhat  to  the  west,  but  not  connecting  with  the 
other  wing  of  the  Brigade,  the  gap  being  partially  cov 
ered,  however,  by  a  four-gun  battery  of  our  Division. 
The  Second  Brigade  was  put  into  line  to  the  left  of 
Hobart's  Brigade,  and  thus  Carlin's  Division,  in  a  single 
line  of  battle  with  a  gap  in  the  middle,  faced  the  enemy. 
As  soon  as  these  dispositions  had  been  made  General 
Carlin  ordered  the  other  wing  of  our  Brigade  to  charge 
the  rebel  works  in  their  front.  From  the  position  of 
our  Regiment  you  could  not  see  the  movement,  but  the 
continuous  roll  of  musketry  and  booming  of  artillery 
told  us  that  our  comrades  of  that  wing  were  engaged 
in  a  deadly  contest  with  the  old  foe.  The  charge  was 
Tigorously  made  and  well  sustained,  but  met  with  a 
bloody  repulse  when  the  assailants  were  within  a  few 
feet  of  the  rebel  works,  the  Eighty-eighth  Indiana  suf 
fering  most  severely  in  killed  and  wounded. 

"I  think  it  was  at  this  stage  of  the  battle  General 
Carlin  came  to  the  conclusion  that  something  more 
than  cavalry  was  opposing  his  march,  and  that  he  had 
a  serious  fight  on  hand.  From  the  stubborn  resist 
ance  of  the  enemy  in  their  front,  the  boys  of  Company 
F  had  already  made  the  same  discovery,  and  Captain 
Strawn  had  reported  to  me  that  he  was  fighting  in 
fantry. 

"The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  remained  in  its  last 
mentioned  position  for  several  hours,  during  which 
time,  by  direction  of  General  Hobart,  the  line  of  bat- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

tie  threw  up  a  slight  line  of  works.  The  skirmishers 
were  constantly  and  sharply  engaged  with  the  rebels, 
the  firing  being  rapid  and  continuous  for  a  skirmish 
line.  Company  F's  ammunition  becoming  nearly  ex 
hausted,  and  their  guns  foul,  I  relieved  that  Company 
by  Companies  A,  B,  C  and  E,  under  Captain  Dewey, 
who  pushed  the  rebel  skirmishers  closer  to  their  main 
line,  and  who,  in  turn,  were  relieved  by  Company  D, 
under  Lieutenant  Rood. 

"After  the  other  wing  of  our  Brigade  was  repulsed 
the  game  on  our  side  appeared  to  be  a  waiting  one, 
though  the  skirmishers  kept  up  a  constant  rattle.  The 
fighting  was  wholly  in  the  woods  and  but  little  could 
be  seen  of  what  was  going  on,  right  or  left.  Some  time 
after  noon,  I  think  about  two  o'clock,  a  tremendous 
firing  and  cheering  broke  out  over  where  the  other 
wing  of  the  Brigade  had  made  its  charge  in  the  fore 
noon.  It  required  but  little  experience  to  know  that 
one  side  or  the  other  was  making  an  assault.  But 
which  side,  and  with  wThat  result?  In  a  few  moments 
I  noticed  the  firing  and  yelling  was  moving  south 
ward,  indicating  that  the  rebels  were  on  the  charge 
and  had  smashed  Carlin's  line.  I  at  once  directed  Jacob 
Overmire  and  Philip  Hawk,  two  as  brave  and  trusty 
boys  as  ever  pulled  trigger,  to  go  to  our  rear  (west), 
get  as  near  to  the  road  as  they  could  without  being 
seen,  and  let  me  know  what  was  going  on  there.  In 
about  fifteen  minutes  they  came  back  and  reported 
that  a  heavy  body  of  the  enemy  was  in  our  rear  mov 
ing  southward  and  driving  everything  before  them. 
I  afterward  learned  that  this  force  and  the  troops 
participating  in  the  rebel  movement  numbered  about 
ten  thousand  men. 

"Before  Overmire  and  Hawk  returned  the  Twenty- 
first  Wisconsin  and  Forty-second  Indiana  had  let  go 
their  line,  and  drifted  by  the  rear  of  the  One  Hundred 
%  and  Fourth  in  squads,  thus  leaving  the  left  flank  of 
our  Regiment  'in  the  air/  and  my  skirmishers  in  front 
were  also  being  driven  in,  showing  that  the  enemy 
were  moving  on  us  in  that  direction.  When  I  received 


304  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Overmire's  and  Hawk's  report  I  went  to  the  officer 
commanding  the  regiment  next  on  the  right,  which 
was  still  in  line,  told  him  the  situation  we  were  in, 
and  proposed  that  we  about  face  both  regiments,  fix 
bayonets  and  charge  the  rebels  then  in  our  rear,  strik 
ing  them  on  the  flank,  and  writh  a  yell  and  a  volley  at 
close  range  we  would  give  the  'Johnnies'  such  a  shove 
westward  as  would  enable  us  to  get  out  to  the  south. 
The  officer  declining  to  take  part  in  the  charge,  at  once) 
moved  his  regiment  off  by  its  right  flank,  and  was 
soon  out  of  sight. 

"Our  little  Regiment  of  eight  officers  and  one  hun 
dred  and  fifty  men  all  told  was  there  alone  with  the 
enemy  closing  in  on  its  front  and  left  flank,  and  a 
heavy  force  passing  across  its  rear,  not  more  than  four 
hundred  yards  distant,  but,  luckily  for  the  Regiment, 
out  of  sight  owing  to  the  thick  underbrush  interven 
ing.  The  situation  was  an  extremely  critical  one,  and 
I  think  every  man  in  the  Regiment  understood  it  just 
as  well  as  I  did,  yet  all  behaved  like  the  veterans  they 
were,  and  awaited  orders.  But  no  orders  came.  The 
onslaught  of  the  rebels  had  been  so  sudden  and  vio 
lent  that  it  swept  the  division  and  brigade  command 
ers  and  their  staff  officers  away  in  the  general  rout. 
What  was  to  be  done?  My  skirmishers  were  all  driven 
in.  I  knew  that  in  ten  minutes,  perhaps  five,  the  enemy 
would  be  on  top  of  us,  and  would  answer  the  question, 
so  I  decided  it :  'Attention,  battalion !  Right  face,  for 
ward,  march!'  and  we  moved  off  in  good  order  to  the 
south.  Through  heavy  timber,  underbrush,  vines  and 
a  dense  swamp  where  the  water  was  over  knee  deep, 
we  marched  nearly  half  a  mile  parallel  with  the  rebel 
assaulting  column,  but  unperceived  by  them,  until  we 
arrived  in  more  open  woods,  where  to  our  left  we  could 
see  the  lines  of  the  Second  Division  of  our  Corps,  and 
to  our  right  (west)  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
distant,  was  the  left  flank  of  the  rebel  line  pushing  on, 
south.  The  chance  to  give  the  enemy  a  blow  was  too 
tempting  to  be  lost.  I  gave  the  commands:  'On  the 
right,  by  file  into  line!'  and  'Commence  firing!'  File 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  305 

by  file  the  boys  stepped  into  line  and  opened  up  the 
old  tune  on  their  rifles  with  a  vim  that  soon  compelled 
the  enemy  to  give  us  their  close  attention. 

"We  held  our  position  until  they  swung  around  our 
left  flank,  and  then  I  ordered  the  Kegiment  to  fall  back 
to  the  Second  Division.  Thus  ended  our  fighting  for 
the  day,  and  it  turned  out  to  be  the  last  time  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  delivered  its  fire  in  line  of 
battle." 

The  battle  of  the  19th  was  fought  mainly  by  eight 
brigades  of  our  army  and  Kilpatrick's  cavalry  against 
Johnston's  whole  army,  which  had  been  carefully  or 
ganized  for  attack  behind  his  works.  The  evening 
closed  down  with  our  forces  in  possession  of  nearly  all 
of  the  ground  that  had  been  lost,  the  last  charge  being 
made  by  Cogswell's  Brigade  of  the  Twentieth  Corps 
which  arrived  late.  As  the  rest  of  the  Twentieth 
arrived  the  line  of  battle  was  extended  to  the  left  with 
Kilpatrick's  cavalry  on  that  flank.  General  Sherman 
had  heard  the  cannonading  and  late  in  the  day  was 
notified  of  the  nature  of  the  battle.  Howard's  head 
of  column  was  then  ten  miles  from  Goldsboro.  Gen 
eral  Sherman  at  once  turned  back  the  troops  toward 
Bentonville.  Early  on  the  20th  Generals  Baird,  Geary 
and  Hazen  arrived  on  the  field  with  their  commands, 
Later  two  divisions  of  the  Seventeenth  Corps  arrived 
and  the  right  wing  was  deployed  until  its  left  connected 
with  Slocum.  These  movements  occupied  all  of  the 
20th,  and  at  night  the  army  confronted  the  enemy  in 
his  works,  which  were  strong  and  built  V  shaped  with 
the  angle  projecting  to  the  Goldsboro  road.  Mill  Creek 
protected  the  enemy's  flanks.  The  columns  of  Slocum 
and  Howard  faced  these  lines.  On  the  21st,  which  was 
rainy,  nothing  was  done  until  noon,  beyond  some  artil 
lery  firing  and  skirmishing.  General  Sherman  savs 
in  his  "Memoirs" :  "In  the  uncertainty  of  General  John 
ston's  strength  I  did  not  feel  disposed  to  fight  a  gen 
eral  battle,  for  we  had  been  out  from  Savannah  since 
the  latter  part  of  January,  and  our  wagon  trains  con 
tained  but  little  food."  However,  about  noon,  General 


306          THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Mower,  who,  Sherman  says,  was  "ever  rash/'  advanced 
his  division  and  breaking  through  the  extreme  rebel 
left  was  pushing  successfully  forward,  when  Sherman, 
fearful  of  a  concentration  against  him  by  the  enemy, 
ordered  him  back  while  he  engaged  the  attention  of 
the  whole  rebel  line  with  a  strong  skirmish  lire.  Gen 
eral  Sherman  says  frankly:  "I  think  I  made  a  mis 
take  there,  and  should  rapidly  have  followed  Mower's 
lead  with  the  whole  of  the  right  wing,  which  would 
have  brought  on  a  general  battle,  and  it  could  not 
have  resulted  otherwise  than  successfully  to  us,  by 
reason  of  our  vastly  superior  numbers;  but  at  the 
moment,  for  the  reasons  given,  I  preferred  to  make 
junction  with  Generals  Terry  and  Schofield  before 
engaging  Johnston's  army,  the  strength  of  which  was 
utterly  unknown."  Thus  by  lack  of  good  judgment 
on  that  occasion  General  Sherman  lost  the  golden 
opportunity  to  utterly  ruin  Johnston's  army.  The  day 
closed  with  our  lines  close  up  to  the  enemy.  On  the 
morning  of  the  22d  it  was  found  that  Johnston,  with 
his  army,  had  gone,  leaving  nothing  behind  but  his 
pickets  and  the  dead  and  wounded. 

Thus  ended  the  battle  of  Bentouville,  considered 
by  some  historians  as  one  of  the  decisive  battles  of  the 
war,  but  we  can  only  call  it  a  minor  one  of  that  class. 
It  had  been  fought  mainly  by  eight  brigades  of  our 
army  and  Kilpatrick's  cavalry  on  the  19th,  and  against 
the  whole  of  Johnston's  army.  The  well-devised  plans 
of  the  Confederate  leader  had  failed,  partly  from  lack 
of  co-operation  by  his  troops,  composed  of  the  com 
mands  of  Bragg,  Hardee,  Cheatham  and  S.  D.  Lee,  and 
partly  on  account  of  the  splendid  fighting  and  steady 
resistance  of  Carlin's  and  Morgan's  divisions  until  the 
Twentieth  Corps  could  be  brought  into  the  field.  The 
character  of  the  fighting  on  both  sides  was  equal  to 
any  shown  on  previous  occasions,  while  the  general 
ship  of  Slocum  and  his  subordinate  commanders  was 
most  commendable.  No  doubt  the  result  was  a  bitter 
disappointment  to  Johnston,  who  could  not  hope  after 
this  to  have  such  decided  advantages  in  his  favor. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  307 

General  Slocum's  losses  were  as  follows:  Nine  offi 
<?ers  and  145  men  killed,  51  officers  and  816  men 
wounded,  and  226  missing.  Aggregate,  1,247.  The 
rebel  dead  buried  by  Slocum  numbered  167.  Prisoners 
captured,  338.  The' losses  to  Howard's  right  wing  were 
2  officers  and  35 'men  killed,  12  officers  and  289  men 
wounded,  and  70  missing.  Aggregate,  407.  Grand 
total  losses,  1,654.  Howard  captured  1,287  prisoners 
and  buried  100  rebel  dead.  The  rebel  losses,  according 
to  General  Johnston,  amounted  to  2,343.  This,  how 
ever,  is  underestimated,  as  shown  by  the  reports. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  which  felt  the  first 
force  of  the  attack,  and,  as  usual,  acquitted  itself  with 
credit,  as  did  the  Brigade,  suffered  the  following  cas 
ualties  on  the  19th:  Killed — Richard  M.  Rhubart, 
Company  B.  Wounded — Adjutant  R.  C.  Stevens,  Cor 
poral  N.  Baker,  Company  A;  Corporal  Seneca  Gallup, 
Mons  Olson  and  S.  D.  Bassendale,  of  Company  B;  T.  H. 
Markley  and  Albert  Harris,  Company  C;  Corporal  M. 
J.  Lane,  Company  D;  Corporal  A.  L.  Mason,  Company 
F;  Sergeant  W.  Misner,  G.  D.  Misner  and  P.  A.  Hawk, 
of  Company  G;  John  Coyne,  of  Company  I.  Total,  14. 
Major  Widmer  was  hit  by  a  ball  with  sufficient  force 
to  tear  off  the  heel  of  his  boot  and  cause  a  slight  bruise, 
and  several  others  experienced  similar  narrow  escapes. 
Adjutant  Stevens,  who  was  struck  in  the  side  by  a 
spent  ball  and  suffered  severely,  would  not  go  to  the 
hospital,  but  remained  on  the  field.  In  regard  to  the 
character  of  the  fighting  Leland  says:  "After  our  lines 
were  established  the  rebels  charged  in  five  or  six  lines 
and  when  repulsed  kept  repeating  their  charges.  One 
of  these,  which  the  Adjutant  and  myself  witnessed, 
was  made  in  the  face  of  seventeen  pieces  of  our  artil 
lery,  until  seeing  the  folly  of  such  w^aste  of  life  the 
rebels  withdrew  to  their  works."  Captain  Strawn  thus 
relates  his  experience  on  the  skirmish  line  and  some 
incidents  of  the  battle.  He  says:  "Our  Regiment  had 
at  Bentonville  the  most  lively  affair  we  had  partici 
pated  in  for  some  time.  On  the  morning  of  the  19th 
we  were  marching  along  by  the  right  flank  feeling  very, 


308  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

comfortable  and  happy,  with  the  'bummers/  as  usual, 
in  advance.    I  may  as  well  right  here  remark  that  the 
'germs  bummer'  was  supposed  to  be  a  devil-may-care 
sort  of  fellow  who  made  nothing  of  small  difficulties,, 
but  if  real  ones  confronted  him  in  his  Texas  steer  fash 
ion  of  roaming  at  large  over  the  country,  he  was  as 
fast  as  the  aforesaid  steer  in  hunting  his  herd.    About 
eight  a.  m.  March  19th,  the  numerous  bummers  in  our 
front  came  hurrying  in  on  old  crowbait  horses  and 
mules,  announcing  the  enemy  to  be  in  full  force  in  the 
woods,  from  whence  they  had  just  made  their  hasty 
and  undignified  exit.     The  Regiment  was  immediately 
thrown  into  line  of  battle  by  Major  Widmer.    AVe  did 
not  really  expect  there  was  much  need  of  it,  but  later, 
when  a  cannon  ball  came  ploughing  through  the  trees 
over  our  heads,  saAv  that  business  of  a  serious  nature 
was  on  hand.    The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  advanced 
on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  I  was  sent  out  in  command 
of  the  skirmish  line.     Whether  this  was  composed  of 
men  from  our  Regiment  alone  I  do  not  remember,  but 
I  recollect  distinctly  that  we  had  not  gone  far  when 
we  received  the  fire  of  the  rebel  skirmishers,  appar 
ently  close  upon  us.     It  did  not  take  long  for  every 
man,  without  a   command,  to  seek  cover  behind  the 
nearest  tree  or  sapling  and  then  keep  up  a  sharp  look 
out  for  a  rebel  uniform.     This  was  not  always  safe> 
for  discovering  a  blue  blouse  a  few  paces  in  front,  and 
supposing  it  belonged  to  one  of  my  men,  I  tried  to 
restrain  one  of  my  boys  from  firing  at  it.    I  had  hardly 
spoken  Avhen  a  puff  of  smoke  arose  and  a  bullet  from 
the  gun  of  the  man  in  the  blue  blouse  barked  the  sap 
ling  where  my  skirmisher  stood.    The  rebel  dropped  as 
he  fired  and  crawled  away,  but  I  did  not  caution  any 
one  again  not  to  fire  to  the  front.    This  was  about  ten 
or  eleven  a.  m.  and  between  this  and  two  p.  m.  our 
men  had  expended  sixty  rounds  of  cartridges.     When 
the  last  cartridge  was  rammed  home  and  I  had  sent 
for  more  we  were  relieved  by  another  skirmish  line 
and  rejoined  the  Regiment,     I  was  near  Major  Widmer 
when  he  was  struck  by  a  bullet.    One  of  the  bovs  called 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

out,  'Major,  are  you  hurt?'  <X-o-o,'  he  replied,  with 
a  look  of  disgust " I  shall  never  forget.  The  fighting 
continued  until  evening  with  a  number  of  casualties 
to  our  Regiment." 

When  on  the  morning  of  the  22d  the  rebel  works 
were  found  to  be  empty  and  Johnston's  army  in  retreat, 
General  Sherman  ordered  pursuit  to  be  made,  but  soon 
recalled  the  troops  and  directed  all  to  inarch  for  Golds- 
boro.      This    step    was    quite    necessary,    as    ammu 
nition  and  rations  were  scarce,  the  men  ragged  and 
many  without  shoes.     The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth, 
striking  tents  (pup  tents)  at  nine  a.  m.,  moved  off,  and 
marching  ten  miles  reached  Cox's  bridge  over  the  Neuse 
River  at  dark,  where  it  went  into  camp  for  the  night. 
General  Sherman,  who  had  arrived,  met  here  General 
Terry  with  two  divisions  of  the    Tenth    Corps.      The 
march  w^as  resumed  on  the  23d  and  much  foraging 
done  by  the  hungry  men  on  the  way.     Goldsboro  was 
reached  in  time  for  the  army  to  parade  through  the 
city,  after  which  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  camped 
on  the  north  side.     Leland  says:  "We  had  completed 
probably  as  long  and  eventful    a    campaign    as    any 
known  in  military  history  in  modern  times.    On  enter 
ing  Goldsboro  we  passed  in  impromptu  review  before 
General  Sherman's  headquarters  (i.  e.,  his  tent-flies) 
for  the  benefit  of  the  eastern  troops  in  the  city.     We 
were  a  gay  looking  set,  to  be  reviewed,  some  having  no 
shoes,  some  no  hats,  and  all  in  rags,  while  a  great  many 
had  hams  or  shoulders  swung  on  their  muskets.     As 
the  pack  mules  came  along  General  Sherman,  slapping 
Schofield  on  the  shoulder,  said:     'There's  my  line  of 
communications.'     The  boys  marching  badly  General 
Sherman  said  to  the  officers,  'My  boys  don't  inarch  very 
well,  but  they  will  fight.'    On  the  campaign  no  orders 
were  received  restraining  the  men  from   destroying 
from  .the  time  we  entered   South  Carolina   until  we 
reached  North  Carolina;  then  we  were  ordered  to  stop 
burning.     The  first  house  we  saw  on  entering  the  for 
mer  state   was   destroyed,  and   probably   one   in   ten 
escaped  after  that.     The  rich  were  put  in  the  cabins 


310  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

of  the  negroes;  their  cattle  and  corn  were  used  for 
rations,  their  fences  for  corduroy  and  camp  fires,  and 
their  barns  and  cotton  gins  for  bonfires.  It  seemed 
to  be  decreed  that  South  Carolina,  having  sown  the 
wind,  should  reap  the  whirlwind." 

The  Twenty-third  Corps  was  then  in  Goldsboro  and 
the  united  strength  of  all  the  armies  amounted  to  one 
hundred  thousand  men.  On  the  24th  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  going  on  a  foraging  expedition,  returned 
with  an  abundance  of  corn  meal,  potatoes,  meat,  and 
even  honey.  On  the  26th  the  men  were  made  glad  by 
the  arrival  of  an  enormous  mail,  the  first  received  since 
leaving  Savannah,  two  months  before.  Courtright 
speaks  of  getting  thirty-six  letters  and  says  he  wrote 
thirty-eight.  The  regular  details  for  picket  duty  were 
made  every  day,  but  there  remained  ample  time  for  all; 
to  enjoy  the  rest  and  pleasures  to  be  found  at  Golds 
boro.  On  April  2d  clothing  was  issued  to  the  Regi 
ment.  Between  that  date  and  the  10th  the  gallant 
boys  who  had  fought  at  the  battle  of  Nashville,  Lieu 
tenant  Arnold  and  others,  also  many  recovered  from 
severe  wounds,  among  them  Sergeant  Win.  H.  Conard> 
returned  to  the  Regiment.  On  April  6th  official  news 
was  received  of  the  fall  of  Richmond  and  its  occupa 
tion  by  General  Grant's  army.  Leland  says:  "The 
afternoon  was  spent  in  rejoicing,  and  about  one  hun 
dred  thousand  cheers  went  up,  to  say  nothing  of  the 
'old  commissary'  that  went  down  among  the  officers. 
I  heard  a  dispatch  from  Grant  to  Sherman  read,  order 
ing  him  to  move  as  soon  as  possible  and  help  bring 
the  war  to  a  close.  In  the  evening  the  air  was  filled 
with  rockets  and  impromptu  fireworks.  One  of  the 
favorite  devices  was  to  put  powder  in  a  canteen,  then 
bury  it  and  light  with  a  fuse."  The  army  remained  at 
Goldsboro  until  April  10th,  during  which  time  it  was 
reclothed,  reorganized  and  put  in  shape  for  another 
campaign,  which  all  the  men  felt  was  to  close  the  war 
and  return  them  to  their  homes  and  the  pursuits  of 
peace. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


The    Last    Campaign— March  to  Raleigh— President  Lincoln's  As 
sassination — Johnston's   Surrender — End  of  the  War. 


General  Sherman,  who  had  gone  to  City  Point  on 
March  25th  to  confer  with  General  Grant,  meantime 
leaving  General  Schofield  in  command  of  the  army, 
returned  to  Goldsboro  on  the  30th,  and  set  vigorously 
to  work  on  preparations  for  the  next  campaign.  He 
made  some  changes  in  the  organization  of  his  army. 
The  left  wing  was  styled  the  Army  of  Georgia.  Gen 
eral  Joseph  A.  Mower  was  put  in  command  of  the 
Twentieth  Corps  in  place  of  General  Williams.  The 
Tenth  Corps,  under  Terry,  was  added  to  the  Army  of 
the  Ohio,  which  was  called  the  center,  and  commanded 
by  General  Schofield.  The  right  wing  retained  the 
old  title,  Army  of  the  Tennessee.  The  cavalry  was 
still  commanded  by  Kilpatrick.  The  left,  center  and 
right  contained  respectively  28,063,  26,392,  28,834  men. 
Grand  total,  88,948  men.  'The  artillery  numbered  91 
guns.  General  Carlin  was  superseded  in  command  of 
the  First  Division  by  General  C.  C.  Walcutt.  The  First 
Brigade,  commanded  by  General  Hobart,  contained  the 
same  regiments  as  heretofore.  Our  own  and  the  For 
ty-second  and  Eighty-eighth  Indiana  had  marched  and 
fought  together  since  leaving  Murfreesboro  in  1863. 

On  Monday,  April  10th,  Sherman's  armies  were 
again  set  in  motion  toward  the  enemy.  Johnston 
was  then  at  Smithfield,  but  on  Sherman's  approach 
retreated  through  Raleigh.  The  left  wing  was  directed 
to  the  latter  city,  fifty  miles  from  Goldsboro.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  marched  twelve  miles  on  the  10th 
and  camped.  Sergeant  William  Harrold,  of  Company 
C,  was  wounded  by  a  torpedo  which  had  been  planted 
in  the  road.  The  next  day  the  Regiment  acted  as  train 


i       312  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

guard.  Some  skirmishing  was  done  in  front  and  occa 
sional  cannonading  was  heard.  During  the  night  of 
the  llth  General  Sherman  •  received  word  from  Gen 
eral  Grant  that  Lee  and  his  army  'had  surrendered  to 
him  on  the  9th  of  April.  This  welcome  news  was 
announced  to  the  army  in  orders  on  the  12th,  and 
caused  great  rejoicing.  All  considered  that  the  end 
of  the  war  was  near  at  hand.  The  question  then  was, 
will  Johnston  surrender — and  when?  As  the  armies 
came  nearer  to  Raleigh,  Johnston  retired  to  Greens 
boro.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  camped  on  the 
evening  of  the  12th  at  Stalling's  Station.  Leland  says 
in  regard  to  the  13th:  "We  started  at  four  a.  m.,  and 
walking  rapidly  beat  the  Twentieth  Corps  into  Raleigh, 
arriving  before  10  o'clock.  Marching  up  the  main 
street  to  the  tune  of  'Hail  Columbia/  a  halt  was  made 
at  the  capitol  and  our  arms  stacked  on  the  square. 
As  details  for  protection  were  called  for  by  the  citi 
zens,  guards  were  sent  with  them,  so  that  in  a  short 
time  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  scattered  all 
over  town.  Raleigh  was  the  prettiest  looking  city  we 
had  seen  in  the  South,  the  houses  were  mostly  large 
and  in  good  condition,  the  gardens  full  of  flowers  and 
the  air  fragrant  everywhere."  The  pleasure  derived 
from  such  surroundings  was  no  doubt  increased  by  the 
expectation  that  all  the  marching  and  fighting  was 
soon  to  end.  The  Fifteenth  Corps  was  reviewed  on  the 
14th  by  Generals  Sherman,  Howard,  Slocum,  Terry  and 
Logan.  General  Sherman,  standing  on  the  steps  of 
the  capitol,  was  all  smiles  and  affability.  Before  his 
arrival  he  had  been  waited  upon  by  a  committee  of 
the  prominent  citizens  of  Raleigh,  who  bespoke  his  for 
bearance  and  that  of  the  army.  Their  confidence  was 
not  misplaced.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  14th  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  which  had  begun  to  feel  at  home 
in  Raleigh,  was  ordered  to  march  toward  the  front 
on  the  Hillsboro  road,  and  going  eight  miles,  camped 
at  Claiborne  Station.  The  march  was  resumed  on  the 
15th  at  six,  and  continued  all  day.  Holly  Springs  was 
reached  at  night  and  it  began  to  look  as  if  the  war  was 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  313 

not  over  yet.  On  the  16th  the  Regiment,  after  march 
ing  all  the  forenoon,  was  halted  and  went  into  camp 
near  Martha's  Vineyard  and  not  far  from  the  Cape 
Fear  River.  General  Sherman  had  on  the  14th  re 
ceived  a  note  from  Johnston  requesting  a  conference 
to  consider  terms  for  the  surrender  of  his  army.  Gen 
eral  Sherman  in  reply  named  the  17th  of  April  as  the 
date  when  he  would  meet  the  rebel  General.  In 
the  meantime  hostilities  were  suspended  for  forty- 
eight  hours  and  the  advance  columns  held  in  abeyance. 
On  the  morning  of  the  17th  as  General  Sherman  was 
about  to  leave  for  the  outposts  between  the  two  armies, 
he  received  a  dispatch  from  Secretary  Stanton  that 
President  Lincoln  had  been  assassinated,  an  attempt 
made  on  Seward  and  his  son,  and  that  it  was  supposed 
a  like  fate  was  intended  for  other  high  officers.  Gen 
eral  Sherman,  filled  with  sadness  arid  astonishment, 
enjoined  silence  on  the  operator,  and  proceeded  on  his 
way  to  meet  Johnston.  He  was  accompanied  by  Gen 
eral  Logan  and  some  others.  The  party  on  reaching 
Durham,  twenty -six  miles  from  Raleigh,  left  the  car, 
and  taking  horses  furnished  by  Kilpatrick,  inarched 
up  the  road  some  five  miles.  A  soldier  went  ahead 
with  a  white  flag,  and  soon  after  the  rebel  flag  ap 
peared,  followed  by  Generals  Johnston  and  Hampton. 
The  two  chieftains  after  an  exchange  of  compliments 
retired  to  a  small  farm  house  near  by.  General  Sher 
man  then  showed  the  telegram  he  had  received  to  Gen 
eral  Johnston.  Sherman  says:  "I  watched  him  closely. 
The  perspiration  came  out  in  large  drops  on  his  fore 
head,  and  he  did  not  attempt  to  conceal  his  distress. 
He  denounced  the  act  as  a  disgrace  to  the  age  and 
hoped  I  did  not  charge  it  to  the  Confederate  Govern 
ment.  I  told  him  I  did  not  believe  that  he  or  General 
Lee,  or  the  officers  of  the  Confederate  army,  could  pos 
sibly  be  privy  to  acts  of  assassination;  but  I  would  not 
say  as  much  for  Jeff.  Davis,  George  Sanders  and  men 
of  that  stripe."  There  was  much  more  conversation 
•on  this  subject  and  the  effect  on  the  country  and  par 
ticularly  the  armies,  as  Mr.  Lincoln  was  very  dear  to 


314  THE    ONE   HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  soldiers.  Then  followed  a  preliminary  talk  as  to 
terms  of  surrender,  after  which  a  further  meeting  was 
arranged  for  the  next  day  at  noon.  Each  then  departed 
for  his  headquarters.  On  his  return  to  Raleigh,  Gen 
eral  Sherman  announced  the  sad  news  to  his  armies 
in  Special  Field  Order  No.  56.  When  on  the  18th  the 
order  was  read  to  the  soldiers  and  they  realized  its 
meaning  the  scene  presented  was  one  never  to  be  for 
gotten.  Captain  Strawn  says:  "Such  a  time  I  hope 
never  to  see  again.  Men  who  were  habitually  profane 
forgot  to  swear,  tears  ran  down  from  eyes  unused  to 
weeping.  Everywhere  men  were  seen  to  weep  who 
had  never  flinched  in  the  white  heat  of  battle.  The 
calamity  touched  the  innermost  recesses  of  the  heart 
of  ever}'  soldier.  The  soldiers  declared  that  they  did 
not  want  peace  and  would  take  no  more  prisoners.  But 
the  poignancy  of  grief  gradually  subsided,  and  when 
Johnston  had  surrendered,  we  began  to  long  for  home." 
On  April  18th  Generals  Sherman  and  Johnston 
again  met  and  signed  a  "Memorandum,  or  Basis  of 
Agreement,"  providing  for  the  surrender  of  Johnston's 
army.  General  Sherman  insisted  on  submitting  this 
for  ratification  to  his  Government,  and  the  document 
was  sent  at  once  by  a  trusty  messenger  to  Washing 
ton.  Meantime  the  stain-  quo  of  the  armies  was  to  be 
maintained.  General  Sherman,  as  appears  from  his 
letters,  published  in  his  "Memoirs,"  page  354,  seems 
to  have  entertained  no  doubt  of  the  prompt  acquies 
cence  of  the  Government  to  the  terms  agreed  upon. 
But  he  was  doomed  to  disappointment,  lie  had  unfort 
unately  allowed  some  civil  and  political  questions  to 
find  their  way  into  the  "agreement,"  questions  which 
had  during  the  conference  been  artfully  raised  by  John 
ston,  Breckinridge  and  Reagan,  and  these  at  once  found 
objection  in  the  suspicious  minds  of  the  new  President, 
Andrew  Johnson,  and  his  acute  Secretary  of  War,  Stan- 
ton.  The  latter  at  once  telegraphed  Grant  as  follows: 
"The  President  desires  that  you  proceed  immediately 
to  the  headquarters  of  Major-General  Sherman  and 
direct  operations  against  the  enemy."  On  April  24th; 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  315- 

General  Sherman  was  surprised  by  the  sudden  and 
unannounced  appearance  of  General  Grant  in  Raleigh,, 
who  informed  him  of  what  had  transpired  arid  directed 
him  to  notify  General  Johnston  that  the  truce  would 
expire  in  forty-eight  hours.  In  another  note  to  John 
ston  Sherman  demanded  his  surrender  on  the  terms 
given  General  Lee.  General  Grant  saw  and  approved 
of  what  was  done,  and  late  in  the  day  Sherman  received 
an  answer  from  Johnston  requesting  a  conference  on 
the  26th.  This  was  held  as  before  near  Durham,  and 
the  final  terms  of  surrender  arranged  and  executed. 
General  Grant  approved  of 'all  and  returned  to  Wash 
ington  on  the  27th.  In  the  first  agreement  General 
Sherman  had,  as  usual  "put  his  foot  in  it,"  though  he 
"meant  well."  A  man  of  his  character,  temperament 
and  position,  given  to  much  talking,  and  waiting,  as 
he  always  was,  will  do  such  things  occasionally.  Alsor 
the  politicians  at  Washington  were  ever  ready  to  im 
prove  an  opportunity  to  reduce  those  whom  they  con 
sidered  w^ere  becoming  too  popular.  The  correspond 
ence  and  discussion  that  ensued,  and  the  abuse  by  the 
newspapers  of  General  Sherman,  would  fill  volumes. 
The  chief  actors  on  the  scene  are  dead,  but  a  perusal 
of  the  history  of  those  events  reveals  the  meanness,, 
jealousies,  ambitions  and  weaknesses  of  those  who 
attacked  Sherman  for  his  mistake.  General  Grant  had 
a  nobler  nature  and  stood  by  his  old  friend,  as  he  always 
did  by  any  one  who  had  gained  his  confidence.  He 
did  not  take  command  of  Sherman's  armies,  but  return 
ing  to  Washington  found  Halleck  and  Stanton  issuing 
orders  to  army  commanders  to  move  without  regard  to 
any  one  but  Grant.  The  announcement  of  the  final 
surrender  by  General  Grant  and  his  advice  induced 
those  gentlemen  to  subside,  and  the  excitement  raised 
by  over-ambitious  patriots  died  away. 

During  the  negotiations  the  armies  in  their  camps 
speculated  on  the  rumors  of  surrender  afloat  and  quietly 
awaited  the  result.  Discipline  was  not  relaxed,  and 
drill  by  battalion  or  brigade,  also  picket  duty,  were 
kept  up  as  usual.  On  the  24th  the  writer,  who  had 


316  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

been  on  duty  in  Charleston,  rejoined  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  at  the  front,  though  still  suffering  from  a 
chronic  disease  contracted  in  the  prison  hells  of  the 
South.  On  the  25th  Colonel  Hapeman,  who  had  been 
absent  on  leave,  returned  and  assumed  command  of 
the  Regiment  which  he  had  led  so  long  and  success 
fully.  Captain  Osmaii  also  reported  on  the  same  date. 
On  April  28th  Johnston's  surrender  was  formally 
announced  in  orders.  General  Sherman,  calling  all  his 
army  and  corps  commanders  together  in  Raleigh, 
stated  to  them  his  arrangements  for  the  disposition  of 
his  armies.  Generals  Schofield,  Terry  and  Kilpatrick 
were  to  remain  in  North  Carolina,  while  the  right  and 
left  wings  were  to  march  for  Richmond.  To  General 
Schofield  was  committed  the  task  of  paroling  John- 
ton's  men,  and  the  same  duty  devolved  on  Gen 
eral  Wilson  in  Georgia  and  Florida.  The  total  number 
thus  surrendered  and  paroled  amounted  to  89,270 
men.  All  the  arms  and  war  material  were  also 
surrendered.  The  war  was  over.  No  great  Confed 
erate  armies  anywhere  remained  east  of  the  Mississ 
ippi,  and  only  a  few  fragments  west  of  that  river. 
This  was  the  fruit  of  Johnston's  surrender,  and  it  w^as 
hard  for  us  to  realize  at  first,  that  the  end  had  come 
and  the  vast  armies  of  the  Union  were  to  be  dissolved 
and  relegated  to  the  pursuits  of  peace.  The  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  had  made  its  last  march  toward  the 
enemy!  the  blood  of  its  members  had  dampened  the 
soil,  and  its  stained  and  bullet-torn  flag  had  waved 
amid  the  smoke  of  the  last  battle  at  Bentonville.  In 
leaving  forever  the  scenes  of  its  toils  and  dangers, 
marches  and  battles,  extending  over  nearly  three  y ears, 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  would  ever  be  able  to 
recall  with  satisfaction  and  pride  the  recollection  of  its 
past  career  and  the  honorable  fame  it  had  won. 

"We  live  in  deeds,  not  years;  in  thoughts,  not  breaths; 

In  feelings,  not  in  figures  on  a  dial. 

We  should  count  time  by  heart-throbs." 

On  the  29th  of  April  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
escorted  the  train  to  Claiborne  Station  and  on  the  30th 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  317 

rejoined  the  division  at  Morrisville,  where  it  was  mus 
tered  for  pay,  received  its  mail,  and  starting  on  its 
homeward  march  made  twelve  miles  that  afternoon. 
Before  leaving  we  learned  of  a  little  "sell"  perpetrated 
on  General  Baird  the  night  of  the  27th.  Leland  thus 
relates  it:  "It  seems  that  the  order  announcing  John 
ston's  surrender  was  received  by  General  Walcutt, 
commanding  the  First  Division,  before  reaching  Gen 
eral  Baird,  who  was  stationed  at  Holly  Springs.  Gen 
eral  Walcutt  was  so  elated  that  he  sent  word  to  every 
regimental  commander  to  have  his  men  make  as  much 
noise  as  possible  until  morning.  The  men  fired  by  vol 
ley  and  the  artillery  boomed.  Baird  hearing  the 
unwonted  noise,  started  to  the  relief  of  the  First  Divi 
sion  with  two  brigades  placing  the  other  brigade  in 
line  and  ordering  it  to  throw  up  a  line  of  breastworks, 
as  he  had  no  doubt  our  division  was  attacked  and  it 
might  be  necessary  to  fall  back.  After  going  three 
miles  a  soldier  from  the  camp  of  the  First  Division 
was  met  who  explained  matters.  For  a  time  the  air 
was  sulphurous  around  General  Baird  and  he  swore 
that  'little  Charley  Walcutt  had  put  up  a  game  to  fool 
him.'  Nevertheless  he  was  pleased  with  the  news  and 
marched  back  to  his  camp." 


CHAPTER    XX. 


Off  for   Washington— Race   With    the    Twentieth    Corps    to    Rich 
mond—The  Grand   Review— Muster  Out  and  Return  Home. 


The  march  of  the  Fourteenth  and  Twentieth  Corps 
~to  Richmond  was  not  devoid  of  interest,  as  it  lay 
within  the  line  of  operations  of  the  eastern  armies  in 
part,  but  was  mainly  celebrated  for  the  quickness  with 
which  it  was  made.  The  story  became  current  that 
Generals  Davis  and  Mower  made  a  bet  as  to  which 
corps  would  reach  the  late  rebel  capital  first.  There 
had  always  been  much  rivalry  between  the  two  and 
both  resolved  to  do  their  best  on  this  occasion.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  which  had  camped  on  the 
Neuse  River  on  the  30th  of  April,  crossed  early  on  the 
morning  of  May  1st  and  at  noon  reached  the  Tar  River, 
when  a  halt  was  made  for1  dinner.  Wading  that  stream 
•the  Regiment  marched  until  night,  when  it  went  into 
bivouac  one  mile  beyond  Oxford,  N.  C.,  having  made 
twenty-four  miles.  On  May  2d  the  Regiment  started  at 
daylight  and  inarching  rapidly  passed  through  Wil- 
liamsboro  at  noon  and  reached  Virginia  soil  at  four 
p.  m.,  going  into  camp  at  night  near  Taylor's  Ferry, 
on  the  Roanoke  River.  The  day's  march  of  twenty- 
seven  miles  had  been  made  more  severe  by  the  extreme 
heat  and  dusty  roads.  The  fact  was  recalled  that  one 
year  ago  Sherman's  army  had  left  Graysville,  Ga.,  to 
begin  the  Atlanta  campaign.  What  stupendous 
changes  had  taken  place  in  that  time!  Who  then  could 
foretell  the  future  of  that  army?  Whether  it  would 
march  on  to  victory  or  defeat !  The  most  sanguine  were 
silent,  and  even  President  Lincoln  and  General  Grant 
had  grave  fears  as  to  the  success  of  the  undertaking  to 
reduce  Atlanta.  But  time  proved  the  baselessness  of 
these  fears,  and  after  continuous  inarching  and  fight- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  319 

ing  for  one  hundred  and  twenty  days,  proud  Atlanta 
fell;  then  followed  the  fierce  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  northward,  to  fight  the  last  decisive 
battle  and  receive  the  surrender  of  the  last  rebel  army; 
and  all  within  a  year!  Now  peace  reigned,  and  we  were 
marching  home,  a  fact  hard,  indeed,  to  realize,  but 
accepted  with  satisfaction  by  the  majority,  however 
strange  it  seemed  to  this  army  of  veteran  soldiers. 

On  the  3d  only  fourteen  miles  were  covered,  owing 
to  delay  in  laying  pontoons  across  the  Roaiioke.  We 
camped  at  night  seven  miles  beyond  Boydton.  In 
passing  through  we  saw  a  fine  university  building,  now 
empty  and  deserted.  The  4th  of  May  was  celebrated 
by  a  march  of  thirty-seven  miles  and  all  previous  rec 
ords  eclipsed.  The  Twentieth  Corps  was  somewhere 
in  the  rear.  We  had  gone  through  Lunenburgh  Court 
House  in  the  afternoon;  this  was  a  most  forlorn  look 
ing  place.  The  camp  was  made  at  Xottaway  Falls. 
During  the  night  it  rained,  and  on  the  5th  the  roads 
were  not  so  dusty,  and  it  was  easier  to  march.  We 
-arrived  at  Notta  way  Court  House  at  nine  'a.  in.,  where 
we  first  saw  a  detachment  from  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  ;  the  men,  who  were  dressed  nicely  and  wore  paper 
collars,  seemed  astonished  at  the  ragged  appearance 
of  Sherman's  boys  and  their  long,  swinging  march, 
while  the  mule  train,  conducted  by  the  "bummers,"  was 
an  object  of  particular  interest  and  remark.  From 
Lunenburgh  the  march  was  resumed  through  a  ham 
let  called  Denninsville,  and  we  camped  after  dark  at 
BeaA^er  Pond,  having  made  thirty  .miles.  The  Twen 
tieth  Corps,  which  had  been  all  day  on  parallel  roads, 
was  coming  up  closer,  but  we  were  ahead.  On  the 
6th  we  crossed  the  famous  Appomattox  River  at  Good's 
bridge,  and  marching  twenty-eight  miles  went  into 
camp  at  night  fifteen  miles  from  Richmond.  The  coun 
try  we  passed  through  seemed  rich,  but  the  boys  did 
no  foraging,  paying  for  what  they  wanted,  though  milk 
at  fifty  cents  a  pint  and  onions  at  five  cents  each  seemed 
a  little  high,  but  the  natives  evidently  had  the  impres 
sion  that  they  were  being  paid  in  rebel  shinplasters. 
\ 


320  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

The  7th  of  May  was  memorable.  Resuming  the  march 
at  four  a.  m.  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  reached  the 
James  River  at  Belle  Isle,  opposite  Richmond,  at  eight, 
then  halted  until  after  dinner.  Beyond  the  historic 
river  rose  the  domes  and  spires  of  the  late  rebel  cap- 
itol  and  before  us  fair  Belle  Isle,  a  place  of  interest, 
because  it  was  one  of  the  prison  hells  where  so  many 
of  our  soldiers  had  suffered  and  died  from  starvation 
and  ill-treatment.  Beyond  the  river  was  the  famous 
(infamous)  Libby  Prison,  which  now  disgraces  Chicago, 
and  is  exhibited  for  profit,  In  the  afternoon  of  the 
7th  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  moved  up  the  river 
three  miles  and  went  into  camp.  The  Twentieth  Corps 
was  one  day's  march  behind.  The  Fourteenth  had 
marched  in  six  days,  as  variously  estimated,  from  one 
hundred  and  eighty-seven  to  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
two  miles,  or  thirty-two  miles  per  day.  The  eastern 
armies  around  Richmond  had  heard  we  were  coming, 
but  could  hardly  believe  the  announcement  of  arrival, 
knowing  the  date  of  our  leaving  Raleigh.  Apropos 
to  this  Major  Widrner,  who  could  not  resist  his  old 
habit,  acquired  on  the  skirmish  line,  of  going  ahead, 
rode  into  Richmond  early  on  the  morning  of  the  7th 
with  Ed,  Herrick,  Q.  M.,  who  was  looking  for  rations, 
wet  or  dry,  and  in  prospecting  around  they  entered  a 
restaurant  where  some  Potomac  soldiers  were  discuss 
ing  the  rumors  afloat  that  Sherman's  army  had  ar 
rived.  The  dispute  ran  high  and  our  foragers  listened, 
much  amused,  until  finally  the  Major  threw  in  a  shot 
by  saying,  "Well,  gentlemen,  we  are  here  and  repre 
sent  a  part  of  Sherman's  army,  which  is  camped  over 
the  river."  Those  fellows  could  have  been  knocked 
down  with  a  feather,  and  when  they  had  recovered 
from  the  shock  were  ready  to  stand  treat  or  be  treated. 
When  we  had  rested  a  day  on  the  banks  of  the  James 
all  were  glad  that  the  first  stage  of  the  homeward 
march  was  finished,  though  while 'on  the  way  many 
"could  not  understand  why  in  h — 11  we  had  to  march 
so  fast  now  the  war  was  over."  The  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  remained  in  camp  until  May  llth,  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  321 

those  who  could  obtain  passes  improved  the  oppor 
tunity  to  look  over  Richmond,  and  some  who  had  been 
prisoners  revisited  the  bastiles  of  Libby,  Castle  Thun 
der,  etc.  The  writer  was  too  sick  to  go  and  ha.d  little 
inclination  to  look  upon  those  scenes  of  former  suffer 
ing,  but  was  pleased  to  hear  that  "Dick  Turner"  and 
"Little  Boss,"  two  of  Jeff.  Davis'  minions  in  Libby, 
were  then  enjoying  themselves  there,  this  time  as  pris 
oners  with  Uncle  Sam  as  keeper. 

On  the  llth  of  May  the  army  again  moved  on 
toward  the  National  capital.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  left  camp  at  seven  and  the  head  of  column 
reached  the  pontoon  bridge  across  the  James  at  nine 
o'clock  a.  m.,  soon  after  passing  over  and  then  march 
ing  through  the  streets  of  Richmond  with  banners  fly 
ing  and  bands  playing  the  National  airs.  The  people, 
among  them  many  ex-confederate  soldiers,  filled  the 
doors  and  windows  and  lined  the  streets  anxious  to 
see  an  army,  the  achievements  of  which  had  amazed 
the  world.  The  impression  produced  by  our  soldiers, 
who  conducted  themselves,  however  rough  they  looked, 
as  soldiers  and  gentlemen  should,  was  evidently  favor 
able.  Seven  miles  from  Richmond  we  crossed  the 
famous  Chickahominy  at  Bottom's  bridge,  and  marched 
over  ground  occupied  by  McClellan's  army  May  20, 1862, 
which  army  was  officially  reported  May  31,  1862, 
to  contain  141,173  men,  with  109,522  present  for  duty, 
yet  Richmond  was  not  captured.  At  night  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  halted  after  dark  in  a  ploughed 
field,  and  before  the  tents  could  be  pitched  a  hard 
shower,  with  terrific  thunder  and  lightning,  came  up, 
wetting  everybody  to  the  skin.  The  attempt  to  pitch 
tents  was  useless,  and  rolling  up  in  our  wet  blankets 
we  passed  a  comfortless  night.  On  May  12th,  after 
marching  half  a  mile,  a  halt  was  made  until  noon. 
Later  the  Regiment  marched  through  Hanover  Court 
House,  where  Patrick  Henry  delivered  his  famous  ora 
tion  that  has  made  his  name  immortal.  Reaching  the 
Pamunkey  River  in  the  evening  we  were  delayed  by 
high  water  and  all  night  crossing.  On  the  13th  marched 


322  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

fifteen  miles  through  the  swainps  where  McClellan's 
army  floundered,  and  camped  on  Pole  Cat  Creek.  Made 
twenty  miles  on  the  14th,  over  historic  ground  and 
halted  at  Northeast  Creek.  At  noon  on  the  15th  the 
Regiment  halted  for  dinner  fifteen  miles  from  the  Rap- 
idan  and  the  same  distance  from  the  battlefield  of  the 
Wilderness.  In  the  afternoon  we  marched  toward  Cul- 
pepper  Court  House,  on  a  road  along  the  edge  of  battle 
fields  forever  memorable.  Some  of  our  oificers  exam 
ined  these,  but  found  none  the  like  of  which  Sherman's 
army  had  not  stormed  and  taken.  At  night  the  Regi 
ment  went  into  bivouac  at  Verdiersville,  having 
marched  eignteen  miles.  Early  on  the  16th,  at  seven 
a.  m.,  we  reached  the  Rapidan  at  Raccoon  Ford.  How 
often  during  the*  war  we  had  heard  and  read,  "All  quiet 
on  the  Rapidan."  We  were  near  the  battlefield  of 
Cedar  Mountain.  A  temporary  footbridge  was  built 
at  the  ford,  but  it  soon  broke  down  and  then  the  sol 
diers  waded  the  stream  and  marching  on  halted  for 
dinner  near  Powell's  Mountain.  In  the  afternoon  we 
passed  the  old  winter  quarters  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  The  day's  march  was  twenty-three  miles. 
The  17th  of  May  was  very  hot  and  after  crossing  the 
Rappahannock  at  Kelly's  Ford  and  marching  until 
three,  a  short  halt  was  made  on  account  of  the  heat. 
We  then  moved  on  and  reached  Cedar  Run,  near  Cat- 
lett's  Station,  where  we  bivouacked  for  the  night. 
Every  foot  of  the  ground  was  historic,  having  been 
fought  over  by  both  armies.  On  the  18th,  leaving 'camp 
at  five  a.  m.,  we  soon  crossed  Bread  Run  and  heard, 
thirty  miles  distant,  the  thunder  of  artillery,  which 
announced  the  approach  to  Washington  of  Sherman's 
army.  The  long,  sullen  boom  of  the  guns  sounded 
pleasant  to  our  ears  and  quickened  the  life  blood  of 
every  soldier.  Manassas  Junction  was  passed  at  ten 
a.  m.,  and  marching  across  the  plain  of  Manassas,  we 
came  to  the  famous  Bull  Run,  waded  that  stream  and 
ate  dinner  on  the  battlefield.  On  the  march  we  saw 
the  reminders  of  former  bloody  contests  in  forts  and 
earthworks,  but  the  Quaker  guns  that  fooled  McClel- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

Ian  had  been  removed.  Centreville  was  reached  at  four 
p.  ni.,  and  we  went  into  camp  just  in  time  to  avoid  a 
severe  rain.  The  day's  march  was  twenty  miles.  The 
next  day,  the  19th,  ended  forever  the  long  marches  of 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  Starting  at  sunrise  we 
passed  Fairfax  Court  House  at  ten  a.  ni.,  and  in  the 
afternoon  camped  on  Arlington  Heights,  above  Alex 
andria,  and  in  full  view  of  the  National  capitol,  which 
this  Regiment  and  army  had  fought  so  long  to  save. 
We  were  on  the  princely  domain  of  the  Lees.  All 
around  us  and  beyond  the  broad  Potomac  lay  spread 
out  to  view,  the  grandest  panorama  that  ever  greeted 
the  eyes  of  man.  This  w^as  the  month  of  May,  and 
nature  had  decked  the  hills  and  valleys,  and  plains 
with  her  loveliest  adornments.  But  this  was  not  all 
that  met  our  eager  eyes.  Here  was  the  capitol  of  the 
Nation,  the  type,  center  and  representative  of  the 
National-  life.  Grouped  around  the  Capitol  City,  on 
every  hillside  and  plain,  covering  thousands  of  acres, 
and  extending  even  beyond  our  vision,  rose  the  snowy 
white  tents  of  half  a  million  of  veteran  soldiers  of 
the  Union,  who  had  fought  for  long  years  to  preserve 
for  themselves  and  their  children,  and  their  succes 
sors,  all  this  fair  heritage.  No  soldier  could  look 
unmoved  on  these  scenes  or  fail  to  have  implanted  in 
his  heart  a  deeper  love  for  his  country  and  flag.  A 
lesson  in  patriotism  was  then  and  there  given,  far  more 
impressive  and  lasting  than  could  be  learned  in  books 
for  a  thousand  years.  What  matter  for  proud  con 
gratulation  that  the  battle-scarred  remnant  of  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  could  say,  "We  were  there/' 
and  helped  to  achieve  those  deeds  that  made  these 
things  possible  and  had  their  glorious  and  proper  end 
ing  in  the  final  marshaling  of  the  saviors  of  the 
Nation  at  Washington. 

THE  GRAND  REVIEW. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  passed  the  21st,  22d 
and  23d  of  May  quietly  in  camp  on  Arlington  Heights, 
engaged  in  brushing  up  soiled  and  well-worn  uniforms 
and  in  polishing  their  arms  and  equipments,  prepara- 


324  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

tory  to  the  pageant  of  the  morrow.  The  armies  of 
the  Potomac  passed  in  review  on  the  23d,  but  those 
armies  had  always  been  so  near  the  capitol  and  so 
often  seen  that  more  general  interest  was  felt  in  Sher 
man's  army,  all  being  anxious  to  see  the  veteran 
legions  whose  movements  were  ever  mysterious  as  they 
conquered  both  man  and  nature  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign,  then  were  lost  to  view  in  the  leap  to  the  sea  and 
amid  the  swamps  of  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas,  to 
appear  again  later,  but  ever  victorious.  There  was  a 
desire  to  see  what  kind  of  men  these  were  who  had 
made  marches  equal  to  those  of  Cambyces  and  Alex 
ander,  an  army  that  with  dauntless  grip  had  seized 
hold  of  the  innermost  recesses  of  the  great  rebellion's 
heart  and  laid  bare  its  failing  pulsations.  The  24th  of 
May  was  ushered  in  bright  but  hot.  Every  soldier  felt 
that  he  had  one  more  duty  of  a  public  nature  to  per 
form.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  early  astir 
and  soon  after  sunrise  formed  ranks  and  took  up  the 
line  of  march.  Crossing  the  long  bridge  over  the  Poto 
mac,  the  Regiment  reached  the  vicinity  of  the  capitol 
about  one  o'clock  and  going  around  three  sides  of  that 
imposing  structure,  moved  up  Pennsylvania  avenue 
toward  the  White  House.  Our  Division  formed  the 
rear  of  the  whole  army,  and  looking  down  the  avenue 
we  could  see  the  dense  masses  of  soldiery  moving  for 
ward  with  steady  and  measured  steps.  Half  a  million 
people  looked  on  in  admiration  at  the  dazzling  spec 
tacle,  one  hardly  equaled  save  by  the  imperial  pa 
geants  of  ancient  Rome,  when  she  brought  entire  cap 
tive  nations  to  adorn  her  triumphal  processions;  but 
Rome  fought  for  conquest  and  glory,  this  army  fought 
for  the  maintenance  of  a  nation  and  the  destruction 
of  a  wicked  rebellion  against  government,  law  and 
order.  Fifty  thousand  bayonets  flashed  in  the  sun 
light  as  the  masses  swept  onward,  preceded  by  the  con 
quering  generals  with  their  staffs;  the  boom  of  artil 
lery  and  the  exultant  strains  of  martial  music  burst 
upon  the  ear  and  imparted  additional  interest  to  the 
scene.  Wealth  and  rank,  beauty  and  fashion  had  gath- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  325 

ered  there  to  shower  flowers  and  plaudits  of  welcome 
on  Sherman's  army.  In  one  particular  the  people  were 
disappointed.  The  idea  had  prevailed  that  Sherman's 
was  an  army  of  "bummers,"  that  during  its  mighty 
campaigns,  far  removed  from  its  base  of  supplies  and 
cut  off  for  months  from  communications  with  the 
world,  discipline  had  been  relaxed  and  it  had  become 
indifferent  to  military  restraint  and  laws,  but  w^hen 
the  first  column  wheeled  into  line  straight  as  a  tight 
ened  cord,  followed  by  others,  and  in  each  serried  rank 
but  one  footfall  heard;  and  as  the  eyes  of  the  people 
took  in  the  compact  formation,  seeing  no  stragglers 
and  nothing  wrong,  but  all  soldierlike  in  dress  and 
bearing,  there  was  a  sudden  revelation,  and  cheer  upon 
cheer  greeted  the  veterans.  "Distinct  as  the  billows, 
yet  one,  as  the  sea,"  the  army  moved  forward  to  the 
Presidential  Mansion.  There  President  Johnson,  sur 
rounded  by  all  the  great  statesmen  and  generals  of  the 
Nation,  reviewed  the  passing  thousands.  The  "Bum 
mer  Brigade"  formed  a  novel  feature  of  the  great  dis 
play.  This  was  led  by  a  sable  warrior  on  a  small  don 
key,  followed  by  a  motley  collection  of  mules,  big  and 
small.  An  occasional  horse  was  seen,  evidently  kept 
for  osteological  study.  That  the  men  had  a  clear 
appreciation  of  the  necessity  for  a  good  commissary 
department  in  an  army  was  shown  by  the  well-loaded 
mules.  On  one  of  these  was  a  goat,  on  others  roosters 
and  small  dogs,  with  a  coon  or  two.  There  were  also 
pots,  pans,  kettles,  and  other  articles.  This  Brigade 
was  indifferent  to  military  rules,  but  kept  an  eye 
open  to  the  main  chance  and  marched  along, 
the  roosters  looking  proudly  down  on  the  cheer 
ing  crowds.  It  was  a  great  day  for  Sherman's  bum 
mers.  The  sun  was  low  in  the  west  when  the  last  of 
Sherman's  army  passed  the  White  House.  The  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  with  the  Brigade,  marched  out  of 
review  and  back  to  camp,  arriving  late  and  well  worn 
out.  Thus  ended  one  of  the  grandest  pageants  in  all 
military  history,  and  every  member  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  who  was  there  will  never  forget  this 


326  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

fitting  climax  to  his  army  service  and  the  National 
triumph. 

The  Regiment  remained  in  camp  on  the  25th,  rest 
ing  and  musing  on  the  great  events  of  the  past  few 
days.  On  the  26th  the  camp  was  removed  across  the 
river  to  a  beautiful  grove,  two  miles  from  Washing 
ton.  While  there  all  had  an  opportunity  to  visit  the 
public  buildings  and  places  of  interest  and  they  thor 
oughly  enjoyed  it.  Meantime  muster-out  rolls  were  pre 
pared,  and  on  June  6th,  1865,  the  men  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  then  and  there  present,  were  mus 
tered  out  of  the  service  and  armies  of  the  United  States, 
and  became  again  private  citizens  of  the  great  republic, 
having,  since  muster-in,  August  27th,  1862,  served  their 
country  two  years,  nine  months  and  nine  days.  A  num 
ber  of  men  who  were  sick  in  hospital  or  on  detached  duty 
at  various  points,  also  some  transferred,  were  mustered 
out  a  little  earlier  or  later.  On  June  7th,  1865,  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  embarked  on  the  cars  for  home, 
reached  Baltimore  at  noon  and  took  dinner  at  the 
"Soldiers7  Kest."  The  writer  was  invited  by  a  pri 
vate  citizen  whom  he  did  not  know  to  dine  with  him 
self  and  family,  which  he  did.  Pittsburg  was 
reached  in  the  afternoon  of  the  9th,  and  the  Regi 
ment  met  by  a  delegation  of  citizens  and  a  band  of 
music ;  under  their  escort  we  marched  to  the  "Soldiers^ 
Rest,"  where  a  splendid  dinner  was  served.  The  com 
mittee  then  escorted  us  to  the  depot  and  we  left  Pitts- 
burg  full  of  gratitude  at  the  warm  reception  accorded 
us.  On  June  10th  the  Regiment  arrived  in  Chicago 
in  the  evening,  but  finding  no  one  to  meet  us,  marched 
to  the  "Soldiers'  Rest,"  where,  after  waiting  four  or  five 
hours,  supper, was  served.  That  night  most  of  the  boys 
slept  on  the  floor  in  Monitor  Hall;  some  went  to  hotels. 

On  June  llth  the  Regiment  marched  out  to  Camp 
Fry,  on  the  north  side  of  the  city,  and  remained  there 
until  June  17th,  when  we  were  paid  off,  but 
only  to  June  6th,  received  our  formal  discharges, 
made  out  in  due  form,  and  then  were  free  once 
more.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regiment 


CHAPTER   XXI. 


Reminiscences  of  Our  First  Three  Months'  Service,  Includ 
ing  Hartsville,  by  Captain  William  Strawn,  Company  F  — 
Reminiscences  of  the  Atlanta  Campaign,  etc.,  by  Henry  Win- 
terscheidt,  Company  B — A  Movable  Fort,  by  Sergeant  William 
H.  Conard,  Company  E— Yankees  Without  Horns,  by  Charles 
Rice,  Company  I— Narrative  of  Peter  Dinger,  Company  G— 
Narrative  of  Gilbert  R.  Conarroe,  Company  B — Recollections 
of  Lieutenant  Randolph  and  Others,  etc.,  by  Robert  West,  Com 
pany  B— An  Incident  of  Lieutenant  Arnold  of  Company  A— 
Reminiscences  of  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  the  Siege  of  Atlanta, 
by  Captain  William  Strawn,  Company  F— Personal  Recol 
lections  of  the  Army  Bummer,  by  Jacob  Bane,  Company  I. 


REMINISCENCES  OF  OUR  FIRST  THREE  MONTHS'  SERVICE, 
INCLUDING  HARTSVILLE.  BY  CAPTAIN  WILLIAM 
STRAWN,  COMPANY  F. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  on  arriving  at  Jef- 
fersonville,  Indiana,  September  7, 1862,  was  introduced 
to  the  mysteries  of  camp  life  and  that  article  of  diet 
known  as  "sow  belly."  Here,  too,  we  were  furnished 
with  the  Government  uniform  and  arms.  Being  green, 
all  supplied  themselves  with  the  full  outfit  offered, 
much  of  it,  however,  superfluous,  with  the  thermom 
eter  standing  at  eighty  in  the  shade,  consequently  a 
good  deal  was  thrown  away,  when  soon  after  we 
marched  a  few  miles  under  a  broiling  sun,  and  became 
the  prey  of  teamsters  and  depredators  generally.  When 
in  camp  north  of  the  Ohio  a  laughable  circumstance 
occurred  one  night  while  all  were  asleep.  A  member 
of  Company  F,  dreaming  that  the  rebels  were  coming, 
started  up  suddenly,  shouting,  "Boys!  boys!"  and  fall 
ing  headlong  over  his  comrades,  awoke.  But  a  party 
went  out  to  search  the  adjacent  woods,  finding,  how 
ever,  no  enemy.  When  in  a  few  days  we  reached  the 
Ohio  it  was  considered  that  we  were  in  the  enemy's 
country,  and  as  we  inarched  through  Louisville,  no 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  329 

one  could  forget  with  what  vim  the  boys  sang  patriotic 
songs,  "John  Brown,"  etc.  After  spending  a  few  days 
at  "Camp  Grasshopper"  and  some  time  in  the  suburbs 
of  Louisville,  the  Regiment  started  for  Frankfort.  That 
march  was  very  fatiguing  and  when  we  halted  the  first 
night  about  twelve,  Company  F  had  but  few  men  left, 
the  rest  having  given  out  owing  to  the  unaccustomed 
exercise.  The  boys  came  straggling  in  all  night.  When 
\ve  reached  Shelbyville  a  halt  of  a  few  days  was  made 
and  some  of  the  boys  foraged  for  all  there  was  in  it, 
against  orders  and  all  reason.  Shelbyville  was  the 
home  of  a  loyal  colonel  then  in  the  field  with  a  regi 
ment  of  loyal  Kentuckians,  and  his  plantation  was 
raided  the  same  as  others,  but  the  facts  in  regard  to 
the  colonel  were  not  known  at  the  time.  I  wTas  sent 
back  from  Shelbyville  to  bring  up  goods  left  at  Louis 
ville,  and  also  the  convalescents  of  the  Regiment,  and 
again  joined  the  command  at  Frankfort.  I  then  learned 
of  the  exciting  times  while  at  Shelbyville  over  the 
contraband  question,  in  which  the  Regiment  came  out 
ahead.  At  Frankfort  I  was  detailed  with  a  command 
made  up  of  men  from  the  several  regiments  of  our 
Brigade.  Colonel  Moore  was  made  commander  of  the 
Brigade,  vice  Colonel  Limberg,  arrested.  My  command 
took  charge  of  the  public  property  at  Frankfort,  and 
Company  F  camped  down  in  the  legislative  halls  of 
the  State  capitol.  From  Frankfort  the  Regiment  found 
itself,  after  a  long  and  tiresome  march  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  miles,  in  Bowling  Green,  Kentucky.  When 
we  arrived  I  dropped  down  in  my  tracks  from  sheer 
exhaustion  and  lay  there  until  my  fast  friend,  John 
McDougall,  of  Company  F,  prepared  a  cup  of  tea,  which 
made  me  almost  as  good  as  new.  We  remained  at 
Bowling  Green  a  few  days  and  were  then  ordered  to 
Glasgow,  Tompkinsvilie,  and  Hartsville.  In  the  mean 
time  Colonel  Scott,  of  the  Nineteenth  Illinois,  had  been 
placed  in  command  of  the  Brigade  by  request  of  Col 
onel  Moore  to  General  Rosecrans.  A  short  time  after 
Colonel  Scott  took  command  he  sent  for  me  to  call  upon 
him  at  headquarters,  when  he  informed  me  that  Colonel 


330  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Moore  had  recommended  my  appointment  as  Brigade 
Commissary.  I  did  not  relish  the  idea  of  being  detached 
from  the  company  and  requested  the  privilege  of  con 
sulting  some  of  my  brother  officers.  They  said,  "Take 
it  by  all  means."  Accordingly  I  reported  to  Colonel 
Scott,  upon  which  he  proceeded  to  give  me  a  long  list 
of  instructions  as  to  how  cattle  should  be  driven,  fed 
and  managed  generally.  I  listened  with  gravity  and 
innocence,  as  though  the  duties  expected  of  me  were 
entirely  new,  and  promised  to  do  the  best  1  could.  On 
reporting  to  Colonel  Moore  he  was  convulsed  with 
laughter  at  the  comicality  of  the  thing,  and  in  due  time 
informed  Colonel  Scott  who  I  was  and  all  of  my  ances 
tors  before  me.  The  Colonel  being  young,  felt  that  he 
had  "put  his  foot  in  it"  and  sent  for  me  at  once,  when 
he  proceeded  to  apologize  as  follows:  "Here  I  am,  a 
young  man  just  past  twenty-five,  but  have  been  in  the 
army  long  enough  to  know  that  soldiers  suffer  more 
from  the  inefficiency  and  rascality  of  quartermasters 
and  commissaries  than  from  battle  and  all  other  causes. 
I  am  an  utter  stranger  to  your  Brigade,  and  Colonel 
Moore  being  in  command,  I,  of  course,  consulted  him, 
but  thought  he  might  have  recommended  you  as  a  par 
ticular  friend  without  reference  to  qualifications;  I 
am  but  too  glad  to  know  that  such  was  not  the  case, 
and  you  will  kindly  overlook  my  attempted  instruc 
tions  and  attribute  my  course  to  the  proper  motives." 
Of  course  I  had  no  fault  to  find  and  immediately 
assumed  control  of  commissary  matters.  But  Harts- 
ville  brought  my  career  as  A.  A.  C.  to  an  untimely 
end.  John  Morgan  closed  out  the  business.  At  the 
time  of  the  battle  I  was  absent  at  Gallatin  with  one 
hundred  and  seventy  of  the  men  of  the  Regiment, 
including  teamsters  and  guards  of  the  commissary 
and  ammunition  trains.  The  day  of  the  battle  small 
squads  of  cavalry  that  had  been  attached  to  the  Bri 
gade  began  to  arrive  at  Gallatin  with  accounts  of  the 
battle  and  disaster,  and  in  grandiloquent  style  told 
how  the  men  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  had 
covered  themselves  with  glory,  but  the  d — d  Dutch  of 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  331 

the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hundred  and 
Eighth  had  thrown  away  their  guns  and  ran,  but  the 
rebels  had  captured  them  and  they  hoped  would  keep 
them.  For  several  days  we  suffered  much  anxiety 
with  regard  to  the  fate  of  the  Regiment  and  our  dear 
comrades  who  had  been  killed  and  wounded.  Those 
of  us  in  Gallatin  were  put  on  provost  duty.  While 
there  a  committee  from  Ottawa,  consisting  of  Dr.  Hard, 
Rev.  Zenas  Coleman  and  J.  W.  Calkins  arrived  to  look 
after  the  wounded  and  distribute  comforts  to  them. 
Having  been  ordered  by  General  Paine,  commander  of 
the  post,  to  proceed  to  Hartsville,  under  a  flag  of  truce, 
to  re-bury  the  dead  and  care  for  the  wounded,  the 
committee  and  myself  went  on  our  mission.  A  few 
miles  from  Hartsville  we  met  the  rebel  officer  in  charge^ 
of  the  vedettes  guarding  the  roads  leading  into  the 
town.  On  learning  our  errand  he  very  courteously 
escorted  us  through  town,  on  the  wTay  talking  freely 
of  the  events  of  the  battle  and  making  substantially 
the  same  statements  in  regard  to  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  and  the  German  regiments  that  we  had 
heard  from  the  cavalry.  He  asserted  that  while  the 
guns  and  cartridge  boxes  of  the  Illinois  men  were 
nearly  empty,  those  of  the  Ohio  regiments  had  not 
been  used  at  all.  Among  the  dead  taken  up  and  re- 
buried  in  the  old  cemetery,  especially  sad  for  me,  were 
the  bodies  of  John  McDougall  and  James  Spencer,  Jr., 
of  Company  F.  The  former,  who  w^as  the  father  of 
Duncan  McDougall,  of  Ottawa,  was  a  very  intelligent 
Scotchman,  my  near  neighbor,  who  had  left  an  inter 
esting  family  but  a  few  months  before  at  the  call  of 
duty,  to  serve  his  loved  adopted  country.  He  had 
received  the  fatal  wound  in  his  breast  and  tried  to 
stop  the  flow  of  blood  with  a  handkerchief,  but  it  was 
of  no  avail,  and  he  calmly  and  consciously  awaited 
the  end  of  earth.  James  Spencer,  Jr.,  was  in  the  vigor 
of  youth.  The  committee  returned  to  Gallatin,  but  I 
remained  a  few  days  to  wait  on  Lieutenant  Milton 
Strawn,  of  Company  E,  who  was  suffering  from  an 
amputated  leg  and  could  not  recover.  While  in  Harts- 


332  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ville  the  following  incident  occurred  which  I  have 
often  thought  of  since.  During  the  silent  watches  of 
the  night  I  heard  the  clanking  of  swords  and  noise 
of  rebel  cavalry  approaching  the  house  where  I  stopped. 
A  knock  and  in  came  one  of  Morgan's  colonels  whose 
farm  I  had  raided  when  Commissary  a  short  time 
before.  After  inquiring  who  I  was  and  why  I  was 
there,  he  handed  me  a  parole  ready  for  signature  and 
seemed  surprised  that  I  declined  to  sign  it,  on  the 
plea  that  I  was  under  a  flag  of  truce.  He  advanced 
all  of  the  arguments  that  he  could  think  of,  but  finally 
departed,  saying  that  he  had  never  violated  a  flag  of 
truce  and  never  would.  Lieutenant  Strawn  dying  soon 
after  I  conveyed  his  body  in  an  ambulance  to  Gallatin. 
Morgan  was  then  on  his  way  north  on  his  last  raid.  A 
few  days  later  the  body  of  the  rebel  colonel  who  had 
treated  me  so  courteously  at  Hartsville,  passed 
through  Gallatin  on  its  way  to  burial  in  the  Harts 
ville  cemetery.  I  had  a  feeling  of  sorrow  as  for  a 
friend.  How  true  it  is  that  death  levels  all  distinc 
tions,  silences  all  animosities.  Our  life  at  Gallatin 
was  very  monotonous  and  we  longed  to  be  w^ith  the 
Regiment.  Our  wishes  were  gratified  and  we  soon 
joined  it  at  Camp  Douglas,  when  all  had  an  oppor 
tunity  to  see  their  dear  homes  again  before  we  left 
for  the  front. 

REMINISCENCES    OF    THE    ATLANTA    CAMPAIGN,    ETC.     BY 
HENRY  WINTERSCHEIDT,  COMPANY  B. 

On  June  28th,  1864,  when  our  artillery  was  pepper 
ing  away  at  Kenesaw,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
lay  in  front  of  our  batteries  under  orders  to  be  ready 
at  any  moment  to  go  into  action.  During  the  firing 
a  cannon  exploded  a  shell  just  as  it  issued  from  the 
muzzle  of  the  gun,  and  a  piece  about  four  inches  long- 
struck  me  against  my  knapsack,  going  through  the 
doubled-up  blanket  and  coming  out  at  my  left  side, 
cutting  the  cartridge-box  belt  as  it  emerged.  The  force 
of  it  knocked  me  into  the  ditch  and  the  boys  thought 
I  was  badly  hurt,  but  beyond  a  good  scare  I  was  all 
right.  Some  of  the  boys  had  taken  their  knapsacks 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

off  and  were  sitting  on  them.  My  obedience  to  orders 
in  this  case  saved  my  life.  At  the  same  place  Cap 
tain  Brown,  of  Company  C,  was  standing  on  the  breast 
works  swinging  his  hat  at  the  "Johnnies"  who  were  on 
Kenesaw  about  a  mile  off.  They  fired  at  him  and  one 
minie  ball  struck  him  in  the  hollow  of  his  elbow. 
He  instantly  clapped  his  other  hand  around  and  caught 
it,  and  suffered  no  further  harm  than  a  black  bruise, 
but  he  made  no!  more  demonstrations  of  that  kind. 

A  few  days  before  that  while  at  Pea  Vine  Creek 
the  Kegiment  remained  in  line  of  battle  seven  days 
and  nights  in  succession,  carrying  on  heavy  skirmish 
ing  all  the  time,  but  this  hardly  kept  us  awake.  On 
the  seventh  day  nothing  but  the  roaring  of  the  artil 
lery  made  us  open  our  eyes,  and  when  at  last  wTe  were 
relieved  in  the  evening  it  seemed  the  most  welcome 
thing  that  ever  occurred. 

One  day  near  Kenesaw  our  Regiment  and  the  reb 
els  were  so  near  together  that  we  could  talk  to  them. 
Both  sides  were  behind  breastworks.  One  of  our  men 
called  out,  "Hello,  Johnny,  how  far  is  it  to  Atlanta?" 
Johnny  replied:  "It  is  so  d — d  far  you  will  never  get 
there."  Yank  replied:  "Yes,  we  will  get  there  and 
have  a  big  dance  with  your  sister."  The  reply  to  this 
came  in  the  shape  of  a  hundred  minie  balls. 

At  Peach  Tree  Creek,  near  Atlanta,  Hood's  whole 
army  made  a  grand  charge  on  us  about  four  p.  m.  of 
July  20th.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  without 
any  near  support.  The  underbrush  was  so  thick  one 
could  not  see  two  rods  ahead.  The  rebels  swung  around 
and  compelled  us  to  retreat  a  short  distance.  At  this 
point  an  orderly  came  from  General  Carlin  and  called 
out,  "The  General  commands  that  not  another  step 
backward  be  taken  from  here."  We  held  the  posi 
tion,  and  here  I  was  shot  through  the  left  thigh. 
In  limping  back  I  ran  up  against  Major  Widmer  and 
said,  "Pm  wounded,  Major."  He  replied,  "Well,  then 
go  to  the  rear."  Before  the  sun  went  dow^n  the  rebels 
were  whipped,  but  our  loss  was  heavy. 

About  two  weeks  after  this  I  was  sent  with  a  train 


334  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

load  of  the  wounded  to  Nashville.  At  Chattanooga, 
where  the  train  stopped  for  a  short  time,  Captain  Ross, 
of  Company  B,  who  was  there,  came  into  the  car  and 
seeing  me  said  writh  his  characteristic  preliminary, 
"Henry,  you  will  have  to  brace  up  or  you  will  die." 
Good  consolation  for  me.  After  being  in  hospital  for 
two  months  the  worthy  doctor  sent  me  back  to  Atlanta, 
lame  and  still  sore.  The  Regiment  then  followed  Hood 
north  for  two  weeks  and  again  returned  to  Atlanta  to 
take  up  the  march  to  the  sea.  While  near  Savannah 
we  received  orders  one  night  to  charge  and  surprise 
the  rebels,  who  were  across  some  flooded  rice  planta 
tions.  With  guns  in  hand  and  cartridge  boxes  on  our 
shoulders,  and  each  man  with  a  torch  ready  to  light, 
we  marched  into  the  water,  which  was  cold.  After 
going  some  fifty  rods  the  rebels  opened  on  us  with 
artillery,  when  orders  were  given  to  return. 

At  Sister's  Ferry,  South  Carolina,  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  was  sent  across  the  river  to  cut  down 
trees  for  a  corduroy  road.  The  water  stood  on  the  bot 
tom  lands  waist  deep  and  in  this  we  had  to  stand.  Half 
an  hour  was  as  long  as  anyone  could  stand  it,  then 
we  wrent  to  a  small  dry  place  where  there  was  a  fire  to 
dry  off  and  warm  up  a  little.  On  one  occasion  the 
boys  cut  a  tree,  which  fell  where  the  fire  was.  Gen 
eral  Slocum  was  also  standing  there.  All  jumped  into 
the  water  and  got  aw^ay  safely  except  one  poor  fellow, 
who  was  crushed  by  the  tree. 

A    MOVABLE    FORT.     BY   SERGEANT   WILLIAM   H.    CONARD, 

COMPANY  E. 

On  the  30th  clay  of  May,  1864,  while  near  Dallas, 
Georgia,  our  Company  (E)  was  on  the  skirmish  line. 
After  leaving  our  line  of  works  and  going  some  thirty 
rods  we  came  to  an  open  field  that  sloped  off  gently 
from  the  edge  of  the  woods  where  we  were  in  the  direc 
tion  of  the  enemy,  wrho  lay  in  the  woods  on  the  oppo 
site  side.  We  could  advance  a  little  ways  without 
much  danger,  but  the  rebels  soon  had  a  fair  sight  of 
us.  In  front  of  the  company  lay  at  a  short  distance  a 
log  about  twenty  inches  in  diameter.  The  log  lay  end- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  335 

ways  to  us.  I  saw  at  once  that  if  I  could  gain  it  I 
would  have  an  advanced  and  safe  position  against 
minie  balls,  so  I  ran  and  reached  it  safely.  I  found  it 
was  about  ten  feet  long  and  could  be  moved.  I  then 
beckoned  Joe  Wilson,  who  was  nearest,  to  come,  which 
he  did,  and  we  moved  the  log  around  broadside  to 
the  foe.  Wm.  M.  Wilson,  John  Nattinger  and  John 
W.  Hart  next  closed  in  on  the  log.  We  then  advanced 
slowly  rolling  the  log  before  us,  keeping  close  behind 
it  and  firing  by  volley  whenever  we  saw  any  rebels. 
They  were  concealed  in  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  it 
was  hard  to  get  sight  of  them.  Charley  Ruger,  who 
was  one  of  the  bravest  of  the  brave  and  was  in  the  line 
on  the  left,  got  sight  of  a  rebel,  jumped  up  and  blazed 
away.  He  drew  their  fire  and  I  thought  would  be  killed 
before  he  could  lie  down.  This  enabled  us  to  know^ 
just  where  the  rebels  were  and  we  steered  our  fort 
toward  them,  continuing  to  fire  by  volley  at  every 
chance,  until  Captain  Doty  thought  it  time  to  charge. 
When  the  rest  of  the  line  arrived  we  joined  it  and 
drove  the  rebels  from  the  woods.  In  this  charge  James 
C.  Schoonover  was  mortally  wTounded.  Samuel  A.  Fisk 
ventured  into  the  woods  too  far  and  came  near  being 
taken  prisoner,  having  passed  beyond  some  Johnnies, 
but  his  legs  saved  him. 

YANKEES  WITHOUT  HORNS.     AN  INCIDENT.     BY  CHARLES 
RICE,   COMPANY   I. 

While  we  were  on  the  march  through  South  Car 
olina,  after  we  had  gone  into  camp  for  the  night,  I  went 
over  to  a  house  not  far  away  and  found  that  the  only 
occupants1  were  an  old  lady,  a  younger  one  and  a  small 
boy  six  or  seven  years  old,  who  was  the  son  of  the  lat 
ter.  The  old  lady  said:  ."I  never  seen  so  many  people 
in  all  my  born  days  and  no  horns  either;  where  did  you 
all  come  from?"  Having  satisfied  her  on  this  point, 
the  younger  woman  remarked,  "We  had  always  been 
told  that  if  ever  the  Yankees  got  into  South  Carolina 
every  boy's  throat  would  be  cut  and  everything  de 
stroyed,  so  when  we  saw  your  soldiers  passing  this 
morning,  I  was  very  much  scared.  One  of  them  came 


336  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in,  called  my  boy  to  him,  took  him  up  on  his  knee 
and  put  his  hand  in  his  pocket.  Seeing  this  my  heart 
went  up  into  my  throat,  as  I  was  sure  he  was  getting 
out  his  knife,  but  instead  he  took  out  some  silver 
change  and  gave  my  boy,  and  after  that  all  my  fears 
were-  gone." 

NARRATIVE  OF  PETER  DINGER,  COMPANY  G.     A  NARROW 

ESCAPE. 

After  Sherman's  army  left  Atlanta  on  the  march 
to  the  sea,  I  was  detailed  as  a  forager  and  continued 
as  such  until  we  arrived  at  Savannah.  On  the  cam 
paign  through  the  Carolinas  I  was  again  a  forager 
and  found  the  occupation  much  more  dangerous  than 
heretofore.  When  our  detail  under  Captain  William 
Strawn,  of  Company  F,  arrived  at  the  Great  Pedee 
River,  we  waited  for  the  Fourteenth  Corps  and  the 
pontoons  to  come  up.  They  arrived  about  dark  and 
we  rowed  ourselves  across  in  order  to  get  ahead  of  the 
cavalry.  Captain  Strawn  had  orders  to  proceed  to 
Kockingham,  twenty  miles  distant,  and  pile  forage  for 
the  Fourteenth  Corps.  Marching  all  night  we  reached 
our  destination  at  sunrise,  but  ran  into  a  camp  of  rebel 
cavalry  and  things  began  to  look  serious.  However, 
Kilpatrick's  cavalry  arrived  just  in  time,  having  crossed 
the  river  during  the  night,  and  attacking  the  rebels, 
captured  or  killed  the  whole  lot.  Kilpatrick  had  orders 
for  Captain  Strawn  stating  that  the  Fourteenth  Corps 
would  not  go  to  Rockingham,  but  would  take  the  next 
road,  twenty  miles  distant.  Out  of  the  melee  with  the 
rebels  I  secured  a  mule,  loading  him  with  forage,  such 
as  flour,  meat,  shirts,  socks,  etc.,  and  started  in  com 
pany  with  eight  others  across  the  country  to  the  main 
army.  One  of  our  number  was  a  Lieutenant.  I  was 
the  only  member  of  our  Regiment  in  the  crowd  and 
in  ranging  over  the  country  had  lost  sight  of  Captain 
Strawn.  Two  of  the  men  belonged  to  the  Thirty-third 
Ohio,  the  rest  I  did  not  know.  We  marched  some 
ten  miles  and  camped  for  the  night.  In  the  morning 
we  loaded  up  our  mules  and  horses  and  were  about 
ready  to  start  when  Wade  Hampton's  cavalry  pounced 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  337 

down  upon  and  captured  us  all.  At  sight  of  the  forage 
they  were  enraged  and  said  they  would  kill  us.  They 
then  shot  all  down  but  myself  and  were  about  to  shoot 
me  \vhen  the  second  officer  in  command,  a  young  Lieu 
tenant,  seeing  that  I  was  very  young,  interfered  and 
pulled  me  up  on  his  horse  and  rode  away.  He  rode 
to  the  Cape  Fear  River,  where  he  left  his  horse  and 
we  crossed  in  a  skiff.  Soon  he  turned  me  over  to  a 
South  Carolina  Colonel  by  the  name  of  Herrington,  as 
a  prisoner  of  war.  We  were  near  Fayetteville  on  the 
morning  of  our  capture  and  while  with  my  protector 
I  could  often  see  our  corps  marching  in  the  distance. 
I  was  sent  to  Libby  Prison,  where  I  remained  until 
Richmond  was  taken,  about  sixty  days.  I  can  never 
forget  my  rescuer  from  the  jaws  of  death. 

THRILLING  NARRATIVE  OF  GILBERT  R.  CONARROE,  COM 
PANY  B,  CAPTURED  AT  HARTSVILLE  AND  TAKEN  FOR  A 
REBEL  DESERTER. 

I  was  taken  prisoner  at  Hartsville  and  when  we 
reached  Murfreesboro  was  singled  out  by  the  rebels 
as  being  one  Mr.  Brown,  a  deserter  from  their  ranks. 
A  rebel  Colonel,  a  Sergeant  and  six  men  marched  me 
out  into  the  woods  to  be  shot,  and  had  it  not  been  for 
an  Irishman  they  would  have  carried  out  their  threats. 
I  asked  the  Colonel  what  he  meant  by  bringing  me 
out  alone  and  leaving  all  the  rest  of  my  comrades  in 
the;  bull  pen  (prison  camp).  He  said,  "Brown,  why  did 
you  desert  us?"  I  replied  that  I  never  belonged  to 
their  ranks,  and  that  Brown  was  not  my  name.  He 
said,  "Brown,  you  denied  your  country,  do  not  for  God's 
sake  deny  your  name;  we  all  know  you  too  well  for 
you  to  try  to  play  that  game  on  us."  I  replied  that  I 
never  denied  my  name  or  country  and  that  I  was  an 
Illinois  soldier.  He  then  questioned  me  further  as  to 
my  name,  when  and  where  I  enlisted,  etc.,  to  all  of 
which  I  gave  correct  answers.  He  then,  apparently 
not  satisfied,  questioned  me  further,  when  a  little  rebel 
Irishman,  a  soldier,  said,  "Colonel,  this  is  not  Brown 
at  all,  though  he  looks  exactly  like  him;  Brown  had 


338  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  Irish  brogue."  Then  he  and  the  Colonel  had  a  set-to 
about  me,  but  fortune  was  on  my  side.  During-  the 
discussion  I  learned  that  Brown  was  the  messmate  of 
my  timely  friend.  Finally  the  Colonel  ordered  the 
guards  to  march  me  back  to  camp,  to  which  arrange 
ment  I  most  willingly  assented.  But  the  matter  did 
not  rest  there.  When  we  approached  the  camp  a  rebel 
guard  said  to  one  of  our  boys,  "There  comes  a  s.  of  a  b. 
that  won't  live  w^ith  you-uns,"  and  then  they  held  an 
argument  as  to  whether  the  Union  or  rebel  author 
ities  had  the  best  claim  on  me.  My  situation  in  the 
pen  w^as  anything  but  pleasant  and  it  began  to  look 
gloomy  for  me,  as  it  was  noised  about  the  rebel  camp 
that  Brown,  the  deserter,  had  been  caught  with  the 
Yankees,  and  I  was  pointed  out  to  all  of  them  wherever 
I  went.  Soon  after  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  One 
Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hundred  and  Eighth  Ohio 
were  called  up  in  line  two  files  deep,  when  the  rebel 
Colonel  rode  up  and  down  the  ranks,  and  singling  me 
out  ordered  me  to  follow  him.  I  did  so,  but  his  horse 
being  in  better  plight  than  myself  I  asked  hifti  to  go 
a  little  slower,  as  my  shoes  were  without  soles  and 
my  feet  bleeding.  The  Colonel  turning  his  wicked  eyes 
to  a  rebel  guard  ordered  him  to  take  charge  of  me  and 
if  I  moved  to  shoot  me  down.  The  Colonel  then  went 
off,  but  returned  soon  with  a  detail  of  six  men  and  a 
Sergeant.  One  of  the  guards  said  to  me,  "Brown,  I 
would  not  give  much  for  yo'  chanqg^  I  then  asked, the 
guard  what  the  Colonel  meant  to  do.  He  replied,  "I 
dasen't  talk  to  you-uns."  I  was  then  kept  guarded  for 
awhile,  but  to  my  joyful  surprise  was  again  sent  back 
to  our  camp.  Then,  being  thoroughly  alarmed,  I  traded 
off  my  blue  army  blouse  and  my  hat  to  an  old  German 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Eighth  Ohio  for  an  old  greasy 
overcoat  without  a  skirt,  and  an  old  hat,  and  there 
after  kept  out  of  sight  as  much  as  possible.  The  rebel 
Mr.  Brown  had  disappeared,  but  the  rebels  hunted  for 
me  until  after  we  were  paroled  and  until  we  passed 
through  their  lines.  To-day  T  would  give  my  best  suit 
of  blue  for  that  old  greasy  overcoat  and  cap,  as  they 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  339 

helped  me  to  gain  my  freedom  and  to  follow  "Old 
Olory"  to  the  end  of  the  war. 

.  9 

BECOLLECTIONS  OF  LIEUTENANT  RANDOLPH  AND  OTHERS; 
INCIDENTS  OF  THE  SIEGE  OF  CHATTANOOGA;  PLASTER 
OF  PARIS  BISCUITS,  ETC.  BY  ROBERT  WEST,  COMPANY  B. 

Lieutenant  Randolph,  who  had  been  absent,  re 
turned  to  us  on  December  1st  at  Hartsville,  and  was 
on  duty  for  the  first  time  on  the  5th.  tie  was  on 
picket  duty  when  the  rebels  attacked.  The  night  of 
the  6th  was  cold  and  snow  on  the  ground.  The  hogs 
came  grunting  around  our  line,  but  the  boys  were 
afraid  to  kill  them,  as  the  Lieutenant,  being  a  preacher, 
just  from  home,  forbade  it.  However,  when  relieved 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  several  went  in^o  camp 
with  sides  of  pork  on  their  bayonets.  In  the  battle, 
Lieutenant  Randolph,  who  wore  a  black  suit  with  a 
plume  on  his  hat,  was  mortally  wounded,  carried  from 
the  field  and  died  not  long  after.  Eight  others  of  Com 
pany  B  were  also  killed  or  mortally  wounded  on  that 
fatal  day. 

At  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  David  McCampbell, 
Fife-Major,  and  Joseph  Wheat,  Drum-Major,  were 
attending  to  the  wounded  and  captured.  McCamp 
bell  died  in  Andersonville.  Wheat  finally  escaped  and 
after  the  war  went  west.  Warnock  and  Hutchinson 
were  missing  at  Chickamauga  and  probably  killed. 
Joseph  Chance  was  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  and 
carried  by  Sergeant  Bassett  and  the  writer  to  Ross- 
ville,  and  from  there  removed  to  Chattanooga,  where 
lie  died  a  week  later. 

The  experience  of  the  Regiment  during  the  siege 
of  Chattanooga  was  a  severe  one  from  the  scarcity  of 
food.  I  saw  a  young  soldier  in  Company  A  cry  like  a 
child.  He  said  that  he  had  enlisted  to  fight  and  was 
willing  to  do  it,  but  did  not  like  to  starve  to  death. 
One  day  I  obtained  a  pass  to  cross  the  river  for  the 
purpose  of  visiting  our  boys  in  the  convalescent  camp. 
There  was  a  sutler  there  and  I  went  to  see  how  his 
horse  was  and  observed  that  he  had  some  corn,  so  I 


340  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

persuaded  him  to  divide  it  with  me.  I  then  traded 
fhis  with  the  sick  for  hard-tack.  They  said  afterward 
that  the  corn  parched  did  them  more  good  than  all  the 
doctor's  medicine.  When  I  returned  to  the  river  the 
wagon  train  was  in  from  Bridgeport  and  I  bought  some 
hard-tack  from  one  of  the  guards.  Another  guard 
told  the  seller  that  he  would  yet  be  sorry  he  had  parted 
with  his  rations.  On  arriving  in  camp  I  divided  up 
with  my  mess.  The  next  day  we  went  on  picket  for 
forty-eight  hours,  leaving  no  rations  in  camp.  I  often 
looked  at  the  dead  animals  which  had  died  from  starva 
tion  and  were  taken  to  the  ede  of  the  river  to  float 
off  on  the  spring  rise.  At  one  time  I  counted  three 
hundred  within  half  a  mile. 

While  encamped  by  the  Tennessee  River  southwest 
of  the  town",  we  had  to  get  all  of  our  wood  from  the 
opposite  side  in  a  small  boat.  On  foggy  days  the  boys 
would  try  to  cross,  but  always  came  back  on  the  same 
side  and  gave  it  up. 

When,  on  November  24th,  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  climbed  up  Lookout  to  reinforce  Hooker,  Com 
panies  A  and  B  were  in  the  cellar  of  the  Craven  House, 
and  some  of  them  discovered  a  half  barrel  of  what  was 
supposed  to  be  flour.  They  proceeded  to  make  a  lot 
of  biscuit  and  baked  them.  When  the  proper  time  had 
elapsed  a  Sergeant  tried  one  very  eagerly,  but  was 
surprised  at  the  grittiness  and  tastelessness.  Further 
investigation  revealed  the  fact  that  the  biscuits  were 
composed  of  plaster  of  paris,  an  article  that  old  man 
Craven  had  bought  to  use  as  a  fertilizer  on  his  stony 
farm.  The  laugh  was  against  us. 

AN  INCIDENT  OF  LIEUTENANT  ARNOLD,  COMPANY  A. 

An  incident  after  the  capture  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth  at  Hartsville  illustrates  the  spirit  that  ani 
mated  the  members  of  the  Regiment  throughout,  even 
to  the  youngest  among  them.  While  they  were  in  the 
Court  House  at  Murfreesboro  being  paroled,  Corporal 
S.  V.  Arnold,  of  Company  A,  was  awaiting  his  turn 
and  in  boyish  bravado  sprang  up  on  the  balustrade  of 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  341 

the  staircase  and  reaching  as  high  as  he  could,  wrote 
in  the  bold  and  distinct  hand  that  distinguishes  his 
penmanship  to  this  day,  "The  Union  must  and  shall  be 
preserved."  As  he  stepped  down  the  Captain  of  the 
First  Louisiana  Tigers,  who  was  guarding  them,  said, 
"Do  you  believe  that?"  His  reply  was,  "I  do,  and  some 
day  I  will  be  here  a  free  man  and  see  my  name  on  the 
wall."  The  Captain  thought  for  a  moment  and  an 
swered,  "Well,  may  be  you  are  right." 

The  Corporal  saw  his -name  there  when  he  was  a 
free  man  and  belonged  to  a  victorious  army. 

REMINISCENCES  OF  KENESAW  MOUNTAIN  AND  THE  SIEGE 
OF  ATLANTA.  AMUSING  INCIDENTS.  BY  CAPTAIN  WIL 
LIAM  STRAWN,  COMPANY  F. 

After  Johnston  withdrew  his  army  from  New  Hope 
Church  we  again  advanced  and  about  the  10th  of  June 
found  ourselves  confronting  him  at  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  where  his  lines  were  strongly  intrenched.  Our 
army  was  gradually  pushed  up  closer  and  closer  to 
the  foot  of  the  great  natural  fortress,  made  more  im 
pregnable  by  vast  earthworks  built  by  the  rebels.  At 
last  portions  of  our  line  effected  a  lodgment  behind 
intrenchments  within  a  few  yards  of  the  enemy's  works. 
It  is  said  that  our  closest  lines  were  as  follows :  A  sol 
dier  would  take  an  empty  cracker-box,  fill  it  with  dirt, 
then  lying  down,  push  it  before  him  in  the  night  as 
close  to  the  enemy  as  he  dared,  then  crawl  back  and 
give  place  to  others,  so  that  by  morning  the  rebels  were 
greatly  astonished  to  find  our  ranks  right  under  their 
noses.  This  operation,  however,  removed  the  parties 
temporarily  from  the  list  of  fighters,  for  while  they 
occupied  these  extremely  close  quarters,  no  one  dared 
to  show  a  finger  above  the  works.  Whether  true  or 
not  the  story  is  told  of  a  rebel  desiring  a  furlough,  that 
sticking  up  a  hand  with  the  trigger  finger  extended  he 
said,  "Here's  for  a  furlough."  Scarcely  had  he  spoken 
when  he  shouted,  "A  discharge,  by  hookey."  One  of 
our  boys  had  shattered  his  hand.  While"  our  Regi 
ment  occupied  nearly  as  close  quarters  to  the  enemy, 


342  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

I  lost  my  first  man,  Edward  Eberhart,  young  and  lov 
able  and  a  good  soldier.  Struck  by  a  rebel  bullet  he 
lived  only  long  enough  to  offer  a  word  of  prayer  to 
Jesus  to  receive  his  spirit.  All  felt  inexpressibly  sad 
over  his  loss.  One  night  a  determined  assault  was 
made  on  the  rebel  works  away  to  our  rihgt,  resulting  in 
a  repulse  with  many  of  our  brave  soldiers  killed  or 
wounded.  But  General  Sherman  was  not  idle  and  was 
prosecuting  his  flanking  operations,  which  in  a  few 
days  resulted  in  another  withdrawal  of  Johnston's 
army  beyond  Marietta  to  the  Chattahoochee  River. 
Sherman's  army  following  sat  down  before  the  enemy's 
intrenchments  as  near  as  was  prudent.  The  weather 
became  intensely  hot  so  that  we  had  to  seek  any  avail 
able  shade.  While  here  several  amusing  incidents 
occurred.  I  was  making  a  call  one  day  at  brigade 
headquarters,  which  was  also  headquarters  of  the  Fif 
teenth  Kentucky  Infantry.  The  Chaplain  was  reading 
and  an  Irish  soldier  was  sitting  near  on  a  log  smoking 
a  pipe.  Suddenly  the  Chaplain  thought  he  felt  some 
thing  sting  him  between  the  shoulders,  and  investigat 
ing,  out  dropped  one  of  those  slimy,  shining  lizards 
common  in  that>  climate  and  called  by  the  natives 
"swifts."  It  scudded  over  the  Irishman  like  a  flash. 
His  eyes  bulging  out,  he  exclaimed,  "Holy  Moses, 
phwat's  that?"  The  onlookers  laughed  heartily,  to 
Pat's  disgust.  At  this  place  some  new  recruits  arrived 
from  Illinois.  Among  them  was  a  tall,  good  looking 
young  man  dressed  in  the  height  of  fashion,  a  blue 
frock  coat,  pants  to  match,  faultless  boots,  and  to 
crown  all,  to  the  disgust  of  the  veteran  soldiers,  he 
had  on  a  clean  white  shirt  and  collar.  The  boys  began 
to  guy  him.  "Sonny,  does  your  mother  know  you're 
out,"  and  many  kindred  speeches,  with  which  they  were 
always  well  stocked.  The  fellow  soon  got  mad  all  over 
and  intimated  that  he  could  thrash  the  whole  crowd. 
This  was  all  the  more  fun  for  the  boys.  If  he  had  taken 
it  good  naturedly  they  would  have  said,  "You  are  all 
right,  and  a  vet,  shake,"  and  that  would  have  ended 
the  matter.  But  his  temper  was  up  and  selecting  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  843 

sauciest  one  of  the  crowd  he  gave  him  a  good  thrash 
ing.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  he  was  all  right  with 
the  boys  after  that.  During  the  siege  of  Atlanta  our 
Brigade  was  moved  gradually  from  one  position  to 
another  south  and  west  of  the  city,  always  facing  the 
rebel  intrenchments.  The  desperate  fighting  by  large 
bodies  of  men  had  ceased,  but  a  constant  fusilade  of 
small  arms  and  picket  firing  was  kept  up  day  and 
night  on  some  part  of  the  line.  The  rebels  extended 
their  lines  west  and  south  to  protect  their  railroad 
communications  with  the  Confederacy  and  we  had  to 
watch,  meet  and  render  their  efforts  abortive  at  every 
opportunity.  Rains  were  frequent  and  heavy  a  por 
tion  of  the  time,  which  added  greatly  to  our  discom 
fort.  At  the  conclusion  of  one  of  the  movements  of  the 
Regiment  to  the  right  in  rain  and  pitchy  darkness,  we 
encamped  in  an  old  field  and  gathered  rails  to  lie  on, 
but  many  could  not  in  the  intense  darkness  find  any 
and  awoke  in  the  morning  to  find  themselves  half  cov 
ered  with  water  and  mud.  Things  of  this  kind  occurred 
frequently.  We  lay  several  days  behind  breastworks 
of  earth  supposed  to  be  strong  enough  to  break  the 
force  of  cannon  balls.  Our  picket  lines  were  placed 
some  distance  in  front.  We  were  upon  a  high  ridge. 
The  rebels  were  upon  another  facing  us,  their  pickets 
in  front  and  a  broad  bushy  valley  between  the  two 
lines.  The  opposing  pickets  being  within  speaking  dis 
tance  frequently  agreed  to  a  truce  and  leaving  their 
arms  behind  met  on  the  neutral  ground  in  the  valley, 
had  a  friendly  conference  and  exchanged  coffee,  to 
bacco,  etc.  It  was  not  unusual  after  one  of  these  con 
ferences  for  us  to  receive  numbers  of  deserters  from 
the  rebel  lines.  The  rebel  officers  forbade  these  meet 
ings  under  heavy  penalties,  but  from  time  to  time  they 
were  held  as  they  always  had  been,  "on  the  sly."  I 
remember  that  on  one  occasion  there  was  a  wholesale 
desertion  from  the  rebel  picket  lines,  our  men  rushing 
forward  and  taking  possession  of  the  rebel  rifle  pits. 
When  the  rebel  main  lines  discovered  this  they  opened 
up  with  artillery  on  the  fugitives  and  our  men,  but 


344  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

were  answered  vigorously.  Matters  having  quieted 
down  somewhat  two  of  my  boys  got  into  a  wrangle 
over  some  trivial  matter.  One  of  them  sprang  at  the 
other  when  along  came  a  shell,  burying  itself  in  our 
breastworks  and  bursting,  covered  us  all  with  the  red 
dirt.  The  two  boys  who  had  clinched  fell  apart  so 
suddenly  and  tumbled  head  over  heels  into  the  ditch 
so  quickly  that  we  thought  they  were  killed.  As  it 
turned  out  they  were  only  surprised  and  soon  forgot 
all  about  their  little  "tiff."  The  boys  enjoyed  a  hearty 
laugh  at  their  expense.  This  and  many  similar  ludi 
crous  affairs  helped  to  while  away  the  time  between 
active  operations. 

PERSONAL   RECOLLECTIONS   OF    THE   ARMY   BUMMER.     BY 
JACOB    BANE,    COMPANY    I. 

During  the  late  war  ther.e  were  many  developments 
made,  but  none  so  important  as  the  army  bummer. 
He  supplied  the  missing  link  between  hunger  and 
plenty  to  eat.  He  broke  the  monotony  many  times 
when  he  entered  a  chicken  roost  at  the  dead  hour  of 
night.  The  bummer  was  no  ordinary  soldier;  he  had 
abilities  which  nothing  but  army  life  could  develop. 
He  had  the  ability  of  exploring  and  took  quite  an 
active  part  in  exploring  certain  localities;  the  localities 
which  he  most  delighted  to  explore  and  visit  were  the 
smoke,  the  spring  and  the  chicken  house.  The  bummer 
was  a  very  peculiar  fellow.  He  had  his  own  peculiar 
ities,  and  they  coujd  not  be  imitated.  No  officer  from 
General  to  Corporal  could  keep  him  in  camp  or  the 
ranks.  When  his  name  would  be  called  for  guard  or 
picket  duty  he  was  always  absent  on  some  mission 
exclusively  his  own.  The  genius  of  military  tactics 
could  be  exhausted  in  its  efforts  to  control  him.  To 
duplicate  him  by  a  process  of  military  tactics  was  im 
possible,  as  the  bummer  was  the  outgrowth  of  army 
life.  On  the  march  he  was  scarcely  ever  seen  by  his 
command  except  at  night,  and  then  not  until  all  details 
had  been  made.  He  was  always  up  and  on  his  journey 
before  it  was  time  for  making  details.  The  object  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  345 

the  mission  of  the  bummer  was  never  fully  known  to 
the  citizen;  but  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  section  of 
country  which  he  chanced  to  pass  through  his  mission 
was  fully  realized,  and  fully  appreciated  and  enjoyed 
by  the  boys  when  he  came  into  camp  at  night  and 
unloaded  what  had  stuck  to  him  during  the  day.  As 
near  as  could  be  ascertained  the  bummer  went  in  for 
anything  he  could  get  away  with.  His  intentions  were 
mostly  concealed  from  view  and  clothed  in  mystery. 
In  fact  the  bummer  was  never  known  to  miss  a  meal 
or  be  present  for  duty.  You  could  not  tell  anything 
about  him  with  much  certainty.  You  might  have  had 
an  impression  amounting  to  a  sure  thing,  as  you 
thought,  and  you  might  have  formulated  a  theory  that 
seemed  to  show  that  the  bummer  was  doing  more  good 
than  a  deacon  at  a  camp  meeting,  but  you  could  not 
prove  it  by  any  tactics  known  to  the  military  or  the 
moral  law.  In  calculations  concerning  the  bummer 
military  knowledge  could  not  be  depended  upon.  The 
bummer  was  as  unreliable  as  a  woman's  watch  or  -the 
business  end  of  a  mule.  He  never  turned  out  to  be  what 
you  took  him  for.  It  is  a  little  curious,  but  still  it  is 
an  absolute,  petrified  fact,  that  a  bummer  well  loaded 
down  would  lie  like  sin  and  stick  to  it  until  he  got 
into  camp.  The  man  or  woman  who  believed  all  the 
bummer  said  and  staked  his  or  her  hopes  or  affections 
on  his  veracity,  got  badly  and  very  often  sadly  left. 
Sometimes  the  bummer  would  pose  himself  as  a  mis 
sionary,  and  before  he  left  they  would  sorely 
realize  his  mission  by  the  loss  of  some  valuable  article. 
Sometimes  the  bummer  was  disappointed  and  did  not 
get  what  he  expected  and  attempted  to  surround,  and 
in  consequence  of  this  his  load  was  light.  And  then 
again  he  wras  actually  heavier  loaded  than  his  outward 
appearance  would  indicate.  That  the  bummer  was  a 
puzzle  to  the  owner  of  a  well-filled  smoke,  spring  or 
chicken  house  which  he  chanced  to  visit,  was  no 
wonder. 

The  bummer  established   a   reputation   which   he 
was  proud  of,   and   which  it  was  the  height  of  his 


346  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ambition  to  maintain  and  keep  good,  but  for  all  this 
you  could  not  depend  on  him.  If  there  was  a  family 
Bible  on  the  center  table  and  a  ham  in  the  smoke 
house,  or  a  chicken  on  the  roost  he  would  deceive  his 
own  grandmother  and  glory  in  it,  too,  while  his  com 
rades  were  getting  aw^ay  with  them.  Even  if  a  bum- 
rner  should  act  honestly,  he  possessed  so  much  decep 
tion  that  he  got  no  credit  for  it.  But  credit  was  some 
thing  the  bummer  never  asked  for,  as  he  always  had 
something  to  exchange  for  the  necessaries  of  life.  It 
was  no  uncommon  occurrence  to  see  the  bummer  com 
ing  into  camp  loaded  down,  holding  in  one  hand  a  rope, 
and  attached  to  the  other  end  a  mule  loaded  down 
with  the  necessaries  of  life.  Ask  a  bummer  w^here  he 
got  his  supplies  and  his  answer  would  be  more  delusive 
than  a  dream  book,  and  his  load  something  like  the 
unknown  quantity  in  algebra.  It  might  represent  a 
good  deal  or  very  little,  a  little  of  everything,  from  a 
bee-hive  to  a  spring  chicken;  and  you  had  to  be  con 
tent  with  the  explanation  he  gave  you,  as  it  was  under 
stood  by  all  the  boys  that  there  was  no  going  behind 
the  returns  of  a  bummer.  The  bummer  was  a  liberal- 
hearted  being,  yet  he  adhered  strictly  to  the  laws  of 
his  organization,  which  were  based  on  the  old  Jack- 
sonian  doctrine,  "to  the  victors  belong  the  spoils;"  yet 
in  his  distribution  of  them  he  showed  no  political  or 
sectarian  preferences.  There  are  two  things  connected 
with  army  life  which  old  soldiers  will  always  remem 
ber,  viz.,  the  bummer  and  the  old  army  mule. 


CHAPTER   XXII. 


leminiscences  of  the  Kentucky  Campaign,  Hartsville  and  Elk 
River,  by  Lieutenant  A.  Prescott,  Company  A— My  Experi 
ence  at  Stroud's  Mill,  or  Fishing  Creek,  S.  C.,  by  John  E. 
Merritt,  Company  H— Incidents  of  Chickamauga,  the  Atlanta 
Campaign  and  Raleigh,  by  Corporal  D.  L.  Mitchell,  Company 
C— Who  Had  the  Nightmare  at  Hillsboro  and  Chattanooga? 
by  Sergeant  Andrew  Moffltt,  Company  I— Milking  Cows,  by 
Oscar  Slagle,  Company  D — Reminiscence  of  Tompkinsville  and 
Mission  Ridge,  by  Edgar  L.  Stevens,  Company  C — My 
Experience  at  Chickamauga,  by  Philip  A.  Hawk,  Company- 
G— Reminiscence  of  Glasgow,  Ky.,  by  Captain  Willard  Proc 
tor,  Company  I — The  Experience  of  Company  I  in  the  Skir 
mish  Before  Atlanta,  July  22nd,  1864,  by  Captain  Willard 
Proctor,  Company  I— Recollections  of  Utoy  Creek,  Ga.,  by 
Captain  Willard  Proctor,  Company  I — Extracts  from  Captain 
Leighton's  Diary  as  to  the  Operations  of  the  Regiment  Around 
Dallas,  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek  and  New  Hope  Church— Recol 
lections  of  the  Siege  of  Chattanooga  and  the  Battle  of  Look 
out  Mountain,  by  Captain  William  Strawn. 


REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  KENTUCKY  CAMPAIGN— HARTS 
VILLE  AND  ELK  RIVER— BY  LIEUTENANT  A.  PRES 
COTT,  COMPANY  A. 

While  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  lay  at  Frank 
fort  I  was  detailed  to  take  Company  A  and  two  com 
panies  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hun 
dred  and  Eighth  Ohio  and  inarch  to  Lawrenceburg  to 
support  a  battery.  My  orders  were  received  from  Col 
onel  Limberg,  commanding  our  Brigade.  On  arrival 
no  battery  was  found,  but  an  orderly  soon  came  and 
said  it  was  a  mistake.  We  then  marched  back  and  so 
quickly  that  the  short-legged  Dutchmen  had  to  stretch 
their  legs  and  do  some  tall  swearing.  At  Bowling 
Green  I  was  detailed  to  take  a  party  and  teams  and 
forage  for  the  Division.  After  going  for  miles  where 
nothing  was  to  be  seen  but  the  desolation  of  war,  such 
as  is  produced  by  armies,  and  was  about  despairing  of 
finding  anything,  we  came  suddenly  to  a  well-kept  field 
full  of  corn  in  the  shock.  This  surprised  me,  but  when 


348  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

•<  I        ' 

I 

I  reflected  that  all  the  other  plantations  we  had  passed 
were  as  bare  of  vegetation  as  the  heads  of  old  men 
in  the  front  seats  of  a  theater  are  of  hair,  the  mystery 
was  explained.  I  concluded  that  the  owner  must  be 
protected  by  the  Government,  and  being  court  and 
jury,  1  reasoned  that  the  army  having  come  there  to 
protect  the  land  and  sustain  law,  we  must  be  fed,  both 
men  and  beasts.  We  proceeded  to  load  the  wagons,  and 
while  doing  so,  I,  meantime,  watching  operations  from 
my  horse,  a  man  shouted  in  a  gruff  voice  from  the 
woods  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  field,  "What  are  you 
doing  there?"  Looking  over  I  saw  a  good  looking 
specimen  of  the  genus  "butternut"  sitting  on  his  horse 
and  replied,  "Can't  you  see?"  "Yes,  but  you  have  no 
right  to  touch  that  corn;  it  is  protected  by  Govern 
ment."  I  said,  "All  right,  that's  my  meat."  "Come  over 
here,"  says  butternut.  "Not  any  for  me,"  I  replied;  "if 
you  wish  to  talk  corn  come  over  here."  He  came  and 
informed  me  that  he  had  protection  papers  from  Gen 
eral  McCook.  I  said,  "I  am  taking  this  corn  by  orders 
from  Uncle  Sam,  who  will  pay  for  it  if  the  owner  is 
all  right."  I  have  never  blamed  myself  for  that  de 
cision. 

On  the  march  south  from  Tompkinsville  I  was 
detailed  on  the  third  day  by  Colonel  Scott  to  take  thirty 
men  with  an  ox  team  and  forage  for  provisions.  After 
wandering  all  night  along  by  roads  and  in  the  woods 
we  found  an  old  mill  on  a  small  stream,  secured  some 
flour,  then  followed  the  Brigade,  overtaking  it  at  night. 
We  marched  through  Goose  Creek  Valley,  which  no 
one  will  ever  forget,  and  finally  reached  Hartsville, 
Tenn.  Company  A  acted  as  Provost  Guards  at  the 
village.  The  Brigade  went  into  camp  on  the  banks  of 
the  Cumberland,  a  mile  distant.  The  people  of  Harts 
ville  were  pronounced  rebels,  all  the  young  and  able- 
bodied  men  were  in  the  rebel  army,  many  of  them  with 
John  Morgan,  who  attacked  us  December  7th,  1862. 
Three  or  four  days  previously  a  negro  informed  me 
that  we  were  to  be  attacked.  I  told  Colonel  Moore, 
who  had  assumed  command  of  the  Brigade  on  the  2d, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  349 

Colonel  Scott  having  left;  and  I  said  I  believed  it  was 
reliable  from  certain  indications  of  the  old  men  of 
the  village.  I  also  suggested  that  some  barricades  or 
intrenchments  would  be  a  good  thing,  but  he  did  not 
seem  to  wake  up  to  the  emergency.  On  the  night  of 
December  5th  our  company  was  on  picket  duty  on  the 
rOad  near  the  camp.  I  was  in  command  of  our  pickets 
and  it  was  very  dark.  A  horseman  attempted  to  pass 
toward  the  village  and  paid  no  regard  to  the  chal 
lenge;  pretty  soon  three  shots  were  fired  and  the  horse 
and  rider  ca^me  tearing  back.  I  challenged  him,  when 
he  went  over  the  fence;  taking  the  guard's  gun  I  fired; 
he  made  a  momentary  halt  and  then  went  on.  The 
man  was  no  doubt  a  spy.  The  next  morning  his  horse 
was  found  wounded.  When  the  battle  was  over  and 
we  were  prisoners  waiting  to  cross  the  river,  one  of  the 
men  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  went  up  to  one 
of  Morgan's  men,  a  big  fat  fellow,  and  said:  "Hello, 
Bill,  I  thought  the  devil  had  got  you  long  ago."  He 
was  his  brother!  One  of  the*  sergeants  of  my  com 
pany  found  two  of  his  cousins  with  Morgan,  and  they 
gave  him  something  to  eat.  One  of  the  men  of  the 
Regiment  was  taken  by  the  rebels  for  a  deserter,  but 
afterward  released.  When  we  were  captured,  Mrs. 
Captain  Ellis,  wife  of  Morgan's  Quartermaster,  took 
my  sword  and  sash  and  said  she  would  take  care  of  it; 
she  did  s*o  and  gave  it  to  our  forces  when  they  occupied 
Hartsville,  and  I  received  it  at  Gallatin  as  we  were 
passing  through.  When  wre  approached  Murfreesboro 
as  prisoners  the  column  was  halted  and  the  men 
stripped  of  their  overcoats,  and  fearing  their  valuables 
would  be  taken  also,  I  filled  my  long  boots  and  my 
pockets  with  their  watches  and  money.  However,  the 
rebels  did  not  disturb  them,  In  due  time  we  were  pa 
roled,  sent  into  our  lines  at  Nashville  and  to  Columbus, 
from  there  to  Camp  Douglas  to  guard  prisoners.  In 
April,  1863,  we  returned  to  the  front,  and  under  Rose- 
crans  marched  on  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  which  was 
short,  brilliant  and  exciting.  Though  sick  all  the  time 
I  did  not  stay  behind.  At  Elk  River,  where  our  Brigade 


-350  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

came  into  action,  Company  A  was  on  the  left  of  the 
battery  and  rebel  sharpshooters  were  pegging  away. 
General  Beatty  riding  up  ordered  me  to  send  a  few 
men  ahead  to  try  and  pick  them  off.  The  fact  of  my 
slightly  turning  my  head  there  saved  it,  as  a  minie  ball 
came  whizzing  by  my  ear.  Just  then  a  rebel  shell 
took  off  the  head  of  a  battery  horse  and  the  rider  rolled 
against  a  tree,  but  was  only  stunned  by  the  fall.  I 
asked  Captain  Hewitt  if  he  could  hit  anything.  He 
said,  "You  see  that  chimney  ahead;  watch  it."  A  gun 
was  fired  and  down  came  the  chimney.  The  Regiment 
was  moved  soon  after  by  the  right  flank  and  came  into 
line  in  front  of  the  house,  which  was  hit  by  a  shell. 
Then  some  w^omen  came  out,  one  of  them  with  her  arm 
wounded,  and  made  for  the  woods.  I  saw  them  no 
more.  A  little  girl  came  running  down  the  hill  scream 
ing  and  got  behind  a  tree,  when  she  ceased  crying. 
There  was  some  sharp  skirmishing  all  along.  Finally, 
when  the  enemy  had  been  driven  back  across  the  Elk, 
they  opened  again  with  artillery  from  the  bluff  and 
were  replied  to  so  vigorously  by  our  batteries  that 
one  or  two  of  their  guns  were  dismounted  and  they 
withdrew.  After  that  we  crossed  the  river,  but  the 
enemy  were  then  well  on  their  way  over  the  moun 
tains,  near  the  base  of  wrhich  we  lay.  With  the  4th  of 
July  came  the  news  of  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg  and 
the  victory  at  Gettysburg,  which  created  great  enthu 
siasm.  We  then  went  into  camp  at  Decherd,  Tenn. 

MY  EXPERIENCE  AT  STROUD'S  MILL,  OR  FISHING  CREEK, 
S.  C.,  FEBRUARY  26,  1865.  BY  JOHN  E.  MERRITT,  COM 
PANY  H. 

While  the  Regiment  was  marching  through  South 
Carolina  high  water  in  the  Great  Pedee  detained  us 
three  days,  and  as  provisions  were  becoming  scarce, 
Captain  Ross  was  sent  out  with  a  detail  of  one  man 
from  each  company  on  a  foraging  expedition.  I  was 
detailed  from  Company  H.  On  the  way  others  joined 
us,  and  not.  long  after  getting  away  from  our  lines 
we  were  pretty  well  mounted  on  mules  pressed  into 
the  service  from  the  plantations.  We  went  into  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  351 

country  some  ten  or  twelve  miles  and  occasionally 
exchanged  shots  with  rebel  cavalry  which  hovered 
about  watching  our  movements.  When  they  got  too 
near  we  would  stop,  have  a  skirmish  with  them  until 
they  drew  off,  and  then  we  would  move  on  again  lively 
for  several  miles.  However,  we  had  loaded  our  mules 
well.  I  remember  having  one  hundred  pounds  of  flour 
and  two  hams  on  my  mule.  We  had  to  stop  and  skir 
mish  several  times  and  the  numbers  of  the  enemy  kept 
increasing  when  they  pressed  us  closer  and  drove  us 
down  on  a  creek  bottom  with  a  very  steep  bluff  on  the 
opposite  side.  The  Captain  said  he  proposed  to  fight, 
as  it  ,was  too  hazardous  scaling  the  bluff.  The  result 
was  the  final  surrender  of  most  of  the  party  after  loss 
to  the  rebels.  I  forced  my  mule  into  the  creek,  which 
was  about  five  rods  wide,  and  the  first  step  he  went 
over  his  head,  but  he  came  up  all  right  and  made  good 
time  for  the  opposite  shore.  After  crossing  I  looked 
back  and  it  seemed  to  me  that  the  whole  Southern  Con 
federacy  was  after  us.  I  laid  low,  put  spurs  to  my 
mule  and  was  not  long  in  reaching  the  top  of  the  bluff, 
but  from  the  way  the  bullets  zipped  around  me  and 
struck  the  earth,  it  looked  bilious  for  me.  When  I  had 
reached  cover  I  found  that  I  had  a  companion,  Me. 
McCormick,  of  Company  B.  He  had  swam  across  the 
creek  and  was  wounded  in  the  wrist.  I  bound  up  the 
ivound  with  a  silk  handkerchief  and  we  hurried  on 
with  all  the  mules  that  the  rest  of  the  command  had 
dismounted.  They  seeing  us  cross  the  creek  had,  as 
mules  will  when  frightened,  followed  us.  W^e  did  not 
let  the  grass  grow  under  our  feet,  but  made  for  our 
army  and  found  the  Regiment  after  dark.  The  experi 
ence  was  the  most  exciting  one  I  had  had  and  will 
never  be  forgotten  by  me. 

INCIDENTS  OF  CHICKAMAUGA,  THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN, 
AND  RALEIGH.  BY  CORPORAL  D.  L.  MITCHELL,  COM 
PANY  C. 

On  the  Friday  evening  preceding    the    battle    of 
Ohickamauga  our  Regiment  had  been  sent  to  guard 


352  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

a  ford,  and  Captain  Fitzsiminons  had  command  of  our 
picket  line.  I  was  one  of  the  two  non-commissioned 
officers  on  the  left.  All  was  quiet  during  the  remainder 
of  the  night  and  we  remained  there  during  the  artillery 
duel  of  the  19th,  watching  the  front  and  expecting  fur 
ther  orders.  Finally  the  pickets  w^ere  called  in,  but 
the  order  failed  to  reach  us  on  the  left.  On  going  down 
the  line  I  discovered  that  most  of  the  men  had  disap 
peared  and  reported  it  to  the  Captain,  who  immedi 
ately  sent  a  man  to  camp.  He  returned  quickly  and 
said  the  Brigade  had  gone.  About  this  time  we  saw 
the  rebel  cavalry  crossing  Chickamauga  Creek  in  front 
of  us.  The  Captain  then  giving  an  order  for  every  man 
to  look  out  for  himself,  it  was  promptly  executed  in 
double  quick  time  to  the  rear.  There  were  seven  or 
niife  of  us.  In  a  short  time  our  eyes  were  gladdened 
by  seeing  our  own  cavalry  approaching,  but  before 
they  had  gone  forty  rods  further  they  were  engaged 
with  the  enemy.  Night  was  coming  on  and  we  did 
not  find  our  Regiment  until  Sunday  morning,  when 
the  Brigade  marched  soon  after  to  our  extreme  left 
and  became  engaged  very  shortly  in  the  fierce  conflict 
of  the  20th.  During  the  fight  I  was  hit  on  my  knap 
sack  strap  and  knocked  down,  causing  me  to  spit  blood, 
also  causing  a  bruise.  The  Atlanta  campaign  was  an 
almost  continuous  battle  and  the  Regiment  under  fire 
one  hundred  days.  Just  before  we  reached  Kenesaw 
Mountain  Corporal  James  Logan,  of  my  Company,  who 
had  been  with  me  at  Lexington,  Mo.,  was  killed.  He 
and  a  Johnny  both  wanted  the  same  tree  on  the  skir 
mish  line,  but  the  Johnny  got  the  advantage  and  a  good 
soldier  fell.  At  Kenesaw  the  rebel  works  and  ours  were 
only  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  apart.  We 
relieved  a  regiment  of  regulars.  The  breastworks  had 
been  thrown  up  in  the  night,  by  what  troops  I  do  not 
know,  but  when  we  went  in  the  regulars  said  we  would 
have  to  lay  low.  Wash.  Parker  and  myself  were  detailed 
as  sharpshooters  and  one  hundred  rounds  of  cartridges 
placed  by  each  of  us.  AVhen  daylight  came  the  rebels 
hailed  us  and  said,  "Yank,  you  have  got  a  different  lot 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  353 

of  men  over  there,  haven't  you?"  That  day  they  kept 
their  heads  down.  I  think  General  Polk  was  killed  the 
same  day.  At  Peach  Tree  Creek  Company  C  lost  some  of 
her  best  men,  among  them  Parker,  Munson  and  Captain 
Rynearson.  That  was  my  last  battle.  I  was  w^ounded 
in  the  hand,  but  rejoined  the  Regiment  in  1865  at 
Goldsboro,  and  marched  to  Raleigh  and  Washington. 
Our  Regiment  was  the  first  to  enter  Raleigh  and  our 
General,  riding  up,  said  to  Major  Widmer,  then  com 
manding:  "Your  flag  is  entitled  to  go  on  the  State 
House  of  North  Carolina,  but  there  is  so  little  left  to 
show  what  it  represents  that  I  shall  have  to  take  that 
of  the  Forty-second  Indiana."  That  Regiment  had 
been  home  on  veteran  furlough  and  had  a  new  flag. 
The  unequaled  march  to  Richmond  and  the  grand 
review  were  events  I  can  never  forget. 

WHO  HAD  THE  NIGHTMARE  AT  HILLSBORO  AND  CHATTA 
NOOGA  ?  BY  SERGEANT  ANDREW  MOPFITT,  COMPANY  I. 

During  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  while  we  lay  at 
Manchester,  Tenn.,  General  Beatty  was  ordered  to  take 
our  Brigade  and  march  to  Hillsboro,  eight  or  ten  miles 
distant,  in  support  of  General  Wilder's  movement 
against  the  right  flank  of  the  retreating  rebel  army. 
We  arrived  there  Sunday  night  after  a  tedious  march 
through  the  mud  and  bivouacked  near  the  old  village 
in  a  grove  of  young  timber.  The  position  was  a  dan 
gerous  one  as  we  had  no  supports  near  and  the  rebels 
were  not  far  in  front.  The  orders  were  to  lay  on  our 
arms  with  accoutrements  on  and  to  be  ready  at  a  mo 
ment's  notice  for  an  attack.  General  Beatty  and  our 
Brigade  had  been  selected  for  the  expedition  on 
account  of  their  fighting  reputation.  A  strong  picket 
line  had  been  thrown  out  in  front,  the  night  was 
intensely  dark  and  rainy,  and  our  pup  tents  not  much 
protection.  We  went  to  sleep,  but  a  nervous,  fitful 
sleep  for  many.  All  at  once  I  was  awakened  by  the 
most  unearthly  yell,  howl  and  shriek,  all  in  one,  that  it 
is  possible  to  conceive  of.  I  jumped  up,  grabbed  my 
musket  and  took  a  position  behind  a  tree  that  stood 


354  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

near.  I  thought  the  rebel  cavalry  was  riding  over  the 
Regiment  slaying  on  every  hand.  To  add  to  the  con 
fusion  the  pickets  began  firing  and  my  hair  pushed 
up  the  cap  on  my  head.  It  was  so  dark  one  could  not 
see' his  hand  before  his  face.  The  Brigade  was  formed 
in  line  and  the  immediate  cause  of  the  scare  ascer 
tained.  The  Major  came  along  vowing  that  if  he  could 
find  the  fellow  he  would  have  him  shot.  But  the  pick 
ets  having  been  fired  on  we  stood  in  line  until  day 
light.  A  similar  incident  occurred  in  front  of  Chatta 
nooga  in  which  I  enjoyed  the  fun.  Soon  after  the  bat 
tle  of  Chickamauga  wre  were  on  picket.  The  lines  on 
either  side  had  not  been  well  defined  as  yet,  and  the 
two  armies  were  skirmishing  for  the  best  positions  to 
establish  their  lines  and  picket  posts.  General  Kose- 
crans  had  sent  out  a  brigade  to  see  where  the  rebels 
wrere,  but  they  were  soon  driven  back  and  then  Bragg 
sent  out  a  division  to  ascertain  our  position,  and  he 
found  out,  for  we  speedily  drove  it  back.  My  relief 
w^as  on  the  line  w^hen  the  attack  was  made  and  after 
the  next  relief  went  on  we  were  at  the  picket  post, 
which  was  down  in  a  nice  little  cove.  As  it  was  cold 
we  had  a  fire  and  it  was  quite  light.  The  boys  being 
very  tired  and  worn  out  dropped  off  to  sleep,  some  of 
them  covering  their  heads  with  their  blankets.  I  was 
in  a  position  to  take  in  the  whole  situation  and  hap 
pened  to  be  looking  at  the  time  when  that  same  old 
yell  broke  the  stillness  of  the  night.  It  was  better 
than  a  circus  to  see  the  men  run  in  every  direction, 
some  with  the  blankets  over  their  heads  trying  to  run, 
and  some  crawling  off  on  hands  and  knees.  There  were 
but  few  who  did  not  move  and  quickly.  I  think  the 
author  of  the  trouble  must  have  been  the  same  one 
who  scared  us  at  Hillsboro. 

MILKING     COWS.     BY     CORPORAL     OSCAR     SLAGLE,     COM 
PANY  D. 

When  the  battle  of  Hartsville  occurred  I,  with  a 
detail  of  one-half  of  our  Company  and  one-half  of  Com 
pany  F,  were  with  the  supply  train  as  guards  at  Gal- 
latir-  Tenn.,  consequently  we  did  not  return  to  Harts- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  355> 

yille,  but  were  put  on  provost  duty  and  quartered  in 
the  Court  House.  Our  duties  were  guarding  prisoners,, 
private  property,  and  patroling  the  streets  of  the  town, 
three  hours  on  duty  and  nine  off,  except  when  we  could 
play  sick.  While  thus  employed  we  became  tired  of 
our"  daily  fare  and  hankered  for  a  change  of  diet,  but 
could  not  obtain  anything  inside  of  the  guard  lines, 
as  all  was  closely  watched.  So  we  frequently  took 
midnight  rambles  after  coming  off  duty  in  the  early 
part  of  the  night,  and  being  in  possession  of  the  coun 
tersign  could  go  where  we  pleased.  On  one  of  these 
excursions  in  company  with  J.  C.  and  L.  K.  Hutton, 
we  came  across  some  cows  which  we  thought  needed 
milking,  but  my  comrades  could  not  milk,  their  fingers 
being  adapted  to  catching  chickens,  etc.,  so  it  was 
agreed  that  they  should  corner  the  cows  and  I  should 
do  the  milking.  This  was  done.  I  had  milked  three 
and  had  a  good  supply  of  milk,  enough,  I  thought,  but 
the  boys  said  there  was  one  more  cow  and  we  had 
better  make  a  clean  job  of  it.  It  was  pretty  dark,  but 
the  cow  was  white,  so  I  told  them  to  corner  her  up, 
which  with  some  trouble  they  did.  I  then  proceeded 
to  milk  her,  putting  out  my  hand  for  the  purpose.  Just 
then  something  struck  me  broadside  and  I  went  sprawl 
ing.  When  I  recovered  sufficiently  to  speak  I  blurted 
out,  "That's  a  steer !"  The  boys  were  so  convulsed  with 
laughter  that  I  did  not  get  any  sympathy  from  them, 
and  I  have  a  belief  to  this  day  that  it  was  a  put  up 
job  on  their  part. 

REMINISCENCES  OF  TOMPKINSVILLE  AND  MISSION  RIDGE, 
BY  EDGAR  L.  STEVENS,  COMPANY  C. 

While  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  in  camp 
at  Tompkinsville,  Ky.,  I  was  taken  sick  and  unable 
to  be  removed  when  the  Kegiment  suddenly  left  one 
night.  So  I  was  carried  in  the  rain  and  darkness  to* 
a  house  near  by  and  put  to  bed  in  a  chamber  with 
another  man  of  the  command  who  was  also  very  sick. 
The  exposure  had  been  so  great  that  in  a  few  hours  I 
sank  into  unconsciousness  and  remained  in  that  con- 


356  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

dition  for  ten  days.     During  that  time  the  comrade 
who  was  with  me  died  and  was  buried.    It  was  nearly 
two  months  before  I  could  set  up,  and  three  before  I 
was  well  enough  to  leave.    Fortunately  my  hosts  were 
kind-hearted,  though  slave-holders,  and  in  sympathy 
with  the  South.    They  nursed  me  back  to  health,  call 
ing  in  their  family  physician  to    give   me   treatment. 
While  in  Tompkinsville  several  Confederate  commands 
passed  through  and  a  few  weeks  after  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  Morgan's  whole  army  marched  by  the  house 
where  I  was  staying  and  I  saw  it  from  the  chamber 
window.    Several  relations  of  my  host  were  among  the 
number  and  stopped  for  dinner.     The  next  day  one  of 
them  was  killed  and  brought  to  Tompkinsville  for  bur 
ial.     One  dark  and  cloudy  night  in  February,  a  little 
past  one,  I  left  the  house  and  friends  who  had  proven 
to  be  such  good  Samaritans,  to  make  my  way  to  the 
Federal  lines,  sixty  miles  distant.     Much  of  the  way 
was  infested  by  Confederate  cavalry.    After  four  days 
and  nights  of  skulking,  hiding  and  winding  around 
fields  and  openings  in  order  to  keep  in  the  cover   of 
woods,  creeks  and  gullies,  I  reached  our  lines  near 
Nashville,  exhausted.    Anxious  to  get  back  north  and 
there  await  the  exchange  of  the    One    Hundred    and 
Fourth,  I  made  my  way  across  Kentucky  in  about  two 
weeks  and  in  a  few  days  arrived  home  in  Earlville, 
where  I  found  that  I  had  been  given  up  for  dead.    After 
spending  a  few  days  at  home  I  rejoined  the  Regiment 
at  Camp  Douglas  and  went  with  it  to  the  front,  par 
taking  in  all  its  marches  and  battles  until  after  the 
capture  of  Atlanta,  when  hearing  of  my  fathers  sick 
ness  I  went  home  on  furlough.    When  I  had  reached 
Nashville  on  my  return  Sherman  had  started  for  the 
sea,  and  thus  I  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Nashville 
and  the  action  at  Decatur,  but  rejoined  the  Regiment 
at  Goldsboro,  N.  C.     The  following  personal  incident 
which  occurred  to  me  at  Mission  Ridge,  shows  how 
mistakes  may  sometimes  be  made  and  an  injustice 
done.    In  the  grand  charge  I  found  myself  one  of  the 
first  on  our  part  of  the  line  scaling  the  earthworks 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  357 

on  the  top  of  the  ridge.  To  my  left  a  few  yards  dis 
tant,  one  of  the  officers  of  the  Regiment  mounted  the 
works  at  about  the  same  instant;  as  he  did  so  a  rebel 
soldier  raised  his  gun  to  shoot  him  and  noticing  his 
purpose  I  sprang  toward  him  with  my  bayonet,  which 
so  diconcerted  him  that  he  missed  the  officer  when  he 
fired.  The  rebel  then  threw  down  his  gun  and  sur 
rendered.  I  was  weak  enough  to  regret  for  some  time 
that  I  did  not  use  cold  steel  on  him,  but  rebels  were 
so  thick  then  that  I  turned  my  attention  to  others  Avho 
had  arms  in  their  hands.  However,  the  ridge  was  soon 
in  our  possession  and  the  rebels  running.  John  Cook, 
Fred  Hess  and  myself  pursued  them  down  the  east  side 
of  the  ridge  into  the  woods  and  fired  as  they  ran  across 
a  clearing.  We  then  returned  to  the  top  and  found 
our  men  had  formed  line  and  stacked  arms.  Instead 
of  halting  I  continued  on  down  the  ridge  we  had 
charged  up  for  the  purpose  of  learning  who  of  Com 
pany  C  had  been  killed  and  wounded.  While  search 
ing  them  out  a  Sergeant-  approached  and  accused  me 
of  skulking,  stating  that  he  had  orders  to  arrest  all 
such.  Feeling  that  I  had  done  my  full  share  in  gain 
ing  the  victory  and  being  then  on  a  volunteer  mission 
of  mercy,  I  was  very  angry  and  retorted  that  he  was 
too  much  of  a  coward  to  effect  the  arrest.  At  the  same 
time  I  brought  my  musket  to  a  ready,  but  he  turned 
away  and  nothing  more  came  of  it,  though  I  expected 
to  be  arrested. 

MY  EXPERIENCE  AT  CHICKAMAUGA.     BY  PHILIP  A.  HAWK, 

COMPANY  G. 

When  our  Regiment  fell  back  on  the  2()th  of  Sep 
tember,  1863,  at  Chickamauga,  F.  L.  Pound,  J.  F.  Dielil, 
Ham.  Campbell,  J.  C.  Deegan  and  myself  helped  to 
remove  some  of  the  guns  of  Bridge's  Battery,  the  horses 
having  been  killed  or  disabled.  I  helped  to  work  the 
brass  gun,  but  we  were  obliged  to  leave  it.  I  then  ran 
to  the  next  gun  with  my  arms  full  of  cones,  but  that 
being  a  steel  gun  my  cone  fruit  was  of  no  account.  I 
threw  it  down  and  ran  back  to  the  brass  gun  with  the 


"358  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

intention  of  spiking  it  and  while  in  the  act  of  doing 
so  was  shot  in  the  face  over  the  left  eye;  then  I  started 
for  the  rear,  but  had  gone  only  a  short  distance  when 
I  was  wounded  in  the  left  leg  by  a  spent  ball,  which 
struck  with  force  enough  to  enter  the  flesh  and  made 
the  blood  run  freely.  I  did  not  then  wait  for  an  order 
to  go,  but  went  at  once.  Soon  after  1  was  hit  in  the 
calf  of  my  right  leg  by  a  piece  of  shell.  From  that 
time  on  I  outran  the  bullets  until  I  brought  up  near 
an  old  log  barn  used  as  a  hospital.  The  rebels  began 
to  shell  the  building  and  I  retreated  over  a  hill,  w^here 
I  found  an  Ohio  regiment  engaged  in  stopping  the 
stragglers.  The  Colonel  washed  my  face  with  water 
from  his  canteen  and  told  me  to  stay  there  until  an 
ambulance  came  along.  The  only  one  that  passed 
would  not  stop.  The  Ohio  regiment  moved  up  on  the 
hill,  so,  as  the  walking  was  good  and  that  part  of  the 
country  did  not  seem  to  agree  with  me,  I  turned  my 
back  to  the  army  and  started  for  Chattanooga.  It 
was  slow  work  with  two  la'me  legs  and  a  sore  head 
to  get  along,  but  I  reached  Rossville  at  sundown  and 
was  sent  the  next  day  to  the  hospital  in  Chattanooga ; 
then  an  order  coming  for  all  who  could  walk  to  go  over 
the  river  I  crossed,  but  could  go  no  further.  In  a  few 
days  I  rejoined  the  Regiment  near  Fort  Negley. 

HEMINISCENCE  OF   GLASGOW,   KY.     BY   CAPTAIN  WILLARD 
PROCTOR,  COMPANY  I. 

I  wTill  never  forget  the  march  from  Bowling  Green 
to  Glasgow,  for,  on  arriving,  myself  and  several  others 
were  taken  sick  and  nearly  all  the  boys  who  died  in 
Tompkinsville  were  first  stricken  at  Glasgow.  When 
the  Regiment  left  the  orders  were  for  all  the  sick  to 
be  put  in  ambulances,  but  Captain  Wadleigh  refused 
to  have  me  taken  along,  as  he  thought  it  would  be  sure 
death,  so  he  found  a  Union  man  who  consented  to  take 
care  of  me.  I  w^as  carried  to  his  house  on  a  stretcher 
and  left  there,  with  Sergeant  Wright  to  nurse  and  care 
for  me,  and  with  the  help  of  the  Union  family  I  soon 
began  to  get  better,  and  was  able  to  rejoin  the  Regi- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  359 

merit  with  a  detail  that  was  sent  back  from  Tompkins- 
ville  for  supplies.  While  in  Glasgow  a  number  of 
Union  ladies  came  to  see  me,  among  them  the  wife  of 
Major  Wolfort  (afterward  Colonel,  and  now  a  member 
of  Congress).  This  lady  kept  me  posted  as  to  the  move 
ments  of  the  rebels  around  Glasgow.  One  day  she 
said  it  was  reported  that  the  rebel  cavalry  was  about 
to  visit  us  and  probably  we  would  be  gobbled  up.  I 
did  not  like  the  idea,  but  was  too  sick  to  be  moved. 
I  accepted  her  offer  to  take  charge  of  my  arms  and 
uniform,  but  the  rebels  did  not  come  and  the  scare 
blew  over.  The  house  of  our  friend  was  a  little  back 
from  the  main  street  and  one  day  after  I  had  partially 
recovered  I  proposed  to  Wright  that  we  go  up  town. 
He  said,  "All  right,"  but  insisted  on  carrying  his  mus 
ket.  As  we  were  crossing  over  the  main  street  some 
one  shot  at  us  from  among  the  buildings,  the  ball  just 
missing  us  and  lodging  in  the  fence  at  our  sigle.  It 
made  Wright  very  mad,  but  I  told  him  it  must  have 
been  an  accident,  as  we  could  see  no  one  at  the  time. 
We  were  rejoiced  to  get  back  to  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth. 

THE  EXPERIENCE  OF  COMPANY  I  IN  THE  SKIRMISH  BEFORE 
ATLANTA,  JULY  22,  1864.  BY  CAPTAIN  WILLARD  PROC 
TOR,  COMPANY  I. 

After  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek  our  Brigade 
had  the  advance  on  the  right  of  the  Fourteenth  Corps. 
The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  leading  when  we 
approached  the  outer  works  of  the  enemy  around 
Atlanta.  We  had  halted  when  an  aide-de-camp,  as 
he  was  supposed  to  be,  rode  out  of  the  woods  and 
delivered  a  verbal  order  to  General  Thomas  to  hurry 
lip,  as  the  enemy  were  leaving  the  city  on  the  other 
side.  The  aide  turned  and  rode  back  into  the  woods. 
General  Johnson,  our  Division  Commander,  ordered  a 
skirmish  line  thrown  out,  also  a  section  of  Dilger^s 
("Buckskin's")  Battery  to  advance  and  see  what  was  in 
our  front.  The  rest  of  the  Brigade  halted.  Soon  the 
artillery  came  back.  Major  Widmer  again  had  com- 


360  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

mand  of  the  skirmish  line  and  Company  E  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  had  gone  out,  while  the  rest  of 
the  Regiment  awaited  developments.  8oon,  Colonel 
Hapeman  came  along  and  gave  me  orders  to  take  Com 
pany  I  and  report  to  Major  Widmer  on  the  skirmish 
line,  which  I  did,  although  it  was  not  my  turn  to  go. 
I  found  the  Major  and  he  pointed  out  the  position  I 
was  to  occupy,  connecting  on  the  right  with  the  Fif 
teenth  Kentucky  and  on  the  left  with  the  Forty-second 
Indiana.  The  position  was  in  sight  of  the  rebel  skir 
mish  line  Avhich  was  on  rising  ground  beyond  a  corn 
field  and  well  protected  by  a  fence  and  a  house  full  of 
sharpshooters.  I  Avould  have  to  march  my  men 
through  the  cornfield  in  full  sight  of  their  line.  I 
deployed  my  men  and  advanced,  but  the  shot  came  so 
thick  and  fast  that  I  saw  at  once  that  I  would  lose 
half  of  my  men  if  I  went  across,  so  I  gave  the  order, 
"Left  face,  close  order  on  the  left,  march!"  This 
brought  us  into  thick  brush  and  woods,  nearly  out  of 
sight  of  the  enemy,  and  in  rear  of  the  right  of  the  For 
ty-second  Indiana  skirmishers.  I  then  marched  my 
men  to  the  right  of  the  Forty-second,  and  we  then  went 
across  the  open  space  one  at  a  time  until  we  con 
nected  with  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  lines.  We  then 
made  the  best  skimish  pits  we  could  with  rails  and 
dirt,  but  were  under  the  enemy's  fire  all  the  time.  The 
Major  came  along  and  was  satisfied  with  the  arrange 
ment.  We  tried  to  pay  the  enemy  back  for  the  extra 
trouble  they  had  given  us.  About  dark  when  all  was 
quiet  the  rebels  began  to  pour  in  a  heavy  fire  and 
attempted  to  advance  their  lines;  so  sudden  and  impet 
uous  was  the  attack  that  the  line  on  my  left  gave  way 
and  fell  back  to  our  rear;  this  made  my  men  fear  a 
flank  movement  by  the  enemy,  but  I  gave  orders  for 
every  man  to  stand  to  his  post,  and  we  held  our  posi 
tion  that  he  ot  no  credit  for  it.  But  credit  was  some 
time  and  along  into  the  night.  After  a  time  we  dis 
covered  that  the  men  on  the  right  had  given  way  and 
gone  to  the  rear.  We  were  relieved  about  eleven 
o'clock,  but  could  not  find  the  Kegiment,  it  having 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  361 

moved  to  the  right.  In  the  morning  when  we  rejoined 
the  Regiment  the  Fifteenth  Kentucky  was  in  line  near 
it  and  Colonel  Taylor  was  giving  his  men  a  sharp  lec 
ture  for  leaving  the  skirmish  line.  We  were  com 
mended  for  holding  the  position  under  such  discour 
aging  circumstances. 

RECOLLECTIONS  OF  UTOY  CREEK,  GEORGIA.     BY  CAPTAIN 
WILLARD  PROCTOR,  COMPANY  I. 

The  7th  of  August,  1864,  will  not  be  soon  forgot 
ten,  as  on  that  day  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was 
under  a  severe  and  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy  while 
advancing  its  lines  and  throwing  up  works  in  the  new 
position,  losing  in  the  operation  several  valuable  lives 
and  having  a  number  wounded.  Captain  Fitzsimmons 
was  with  his  company  on  the  skirmish  line  and  had 
halted.  He  was  trying  to  get  the  position  of  the  enemy 
when  he  was  shot  in  the  head  and  instantly  killed. 
Sergeant,  W.  H.  Craig,  of  K,  was  also  killed  in  the  same 
place  and  manner  a  few  moments  after.  Basset,  of  B, 
Graves,  of  H,  and  Winslow,  of  A,  soon  fell,  and  A.  H. 
Lane,  of  D,  was  mortally  wounded.  Ten  men  were 
wounded.  Kebel  sharpshooters  did  the  work.  The 
works  were  thrown  up  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  and 
it  was  worse  than  a  hornet's  nest  for  a  while.  Com 
pany  K  being  left  without  a  commissioned  officer,  Col 
onel  Ilapeman  ordered  me  to  take  charge  of  the  com 
pany  for  the  time.  We  held  our  works  which  we  had 
built  in  sight  of  the  rebels.  While  on  the  line  of  Utoy 
Creek  large  numbers  of  rebel  soldiers  deserted  and 
came  into  our  lines.  There  was  an  understanding  that 
we  should  at  a  certain  time  advance  our  lines,  wrhile 
the  rebel  soldiers  should  fire  over  our  heads,  so  that 
it  would  appear  all  right  to  their  officers,  of  whom 
they  stood  in  fear.  The  plan  was  carried  out  August 
13th.  Our  line  was  about  a  half  mile  in  length.  Part 
of  the  line  captured  was  in  front  of  our  Brigade,  part 
in  front  of  the  one  to  our  left.  The  skirmishers  from 
our  Brigade  were  from  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,, 
and  commanded  by  ^Lieutenant  Rood,  of  Company  G. 


-362  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

In  the  afternoon  I  relieved  him  with  another  detail 
from  our  Regiment.  Before  night  an  officer  came 
around  and  ordered  me  to  send  back  every  third  man 
to  help  form  a  line  in  the  rear.  I  knew  this  portended 
an  attack  on  my  line  and  it  came  within  an  hour.  The 
rebels  opened  on  us  from  a  battery  close  by  very  heavily 
and  knocked  out  the  head  logs  of  our  rifle  pits,  but  we 
held  the  position.  I  had  two  men  wounded.  On  the 
same  day  George  Schweigart,  of  Company  K,  was  killed 
and  four  more,  members  of  Companies  K  and  D,  were 
wounded.  We  remained  there  until  August  26th,  with 
skirmishing  going  on  daily. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  CAPTAIN  LEIGHTON'S  DIARY  AS  TO  THE 
OPERATIONS  OF  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 
AROUND  DALLAS,  PUMPKIN  VINE  CREEK,  AND  NEW 
HOPE  CHURCH. 

May  27th,  1864,  the  Regiment  was  formed  in  line 
of  battle  at  four  a.  m.  We  moved  three  miles  to  the  left 
at  ten  and  halted  long  enough  for  dinner.  After  that 
we  kept  moving,  but  were  held  in  reserve.  Heavy  fight 
ing  was  going  on  in  our  front  all  day,  our  forces  driv 
ing  the  enemy  back.  We  lay  in  a  ravine  until  nine 
p.  m.,  then  were  ordered  up  and  doubled-quicked  to 
check  the  rebel  advance  on  our  right.  We  had  to  wade 
Pumpkin  Vine  Creek,  the  water  coming  above  our  knees 
and  it  was  cold.  We  lay  in  line  of  battle  all  night 
and  shivered  from  the  wet  and  cold.  At  three  a.  m.  of 
the  28th,  line  of  battle  was  formed  on  a  ridge  east  of  the 
Pumpkin  Vine.  We  had  coffee  and  at  half-past  four 
moved  to  the  front  near  the  enemy's  breastworks.  Soon 
after  moved  to  the  left  two  hundred  yards  and  in 
trenched.  In  half  an  hour  the  Regiment  advanced  three 
hundred  yards  to  check  the  rebels  moving  toward  us: 
They  drove  our  skirmishers  but  were  checked  by  the 
fire  of  two  regiments  on  our  right  and  fled  to  the  rear. 
We  then  built  breastworks  and  lay  behind  them  all 
day,  but  the  bullets  were  flying  over  us  every  few 
moments.  The  29th  was  spent  within  our  works, 
which  we  strengthened  in  the  afternoon  as  a  report 
came  that  the  rebels  were  goin<~  to  advance  in  force. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  363 

At  nine  p.  m.  heavy  firing  began  on  the  skirmish  line 
and  we  stood  in  line  ready  to  receive  the  enemy,  but 
they  had  failed  to  dislodge  the  skirmishers  and  did  not 
come.  We  lay  on  our  arms  all  night.  May  80th  we 
felled  trees  and  further  strengthened  the  breastworks. 
Skirmishing  was  going  on  all  day  and  we  remained 
in  line  of  battle  until  midnight,  then  lay  down  with 
accoutrements  on  and  arms  by  our  sides.  A  sharp 
skirmish  was  kept  up  all  night.  On  the  31st  brisk  skir 
mishing  was  going  on  at  daylight,  and  at  seven  the 
rebels  drove  in  our  pickets  and  skirmishers  and  ad 
vanced  boldly  for  a  mile  in  length,  but  were  repulsed 
at  every  point  with  heavy  loss.  I  relieved  Captain 
Fitzsimmons'  company  on  the  picket  line  with  Com 
pany  A  at  six.  We  skirmished  with  the  enemy  on  the 
31st  and  were  relieved  from  picket  on  June  1st  at  six 
a.  m.,  when  we  took  our  place  in  line  behind  the  works. 
Bested  on  our  arms  all  day.  On  June  2d  we  advanced 
by  right  of  companies  en  echelon  and  built  works  three 
hundred  yards  in  advance  of  the  former  ones.  On  the 
3d  the  Regiment  advanced  at  eleven.  All  quiet  to-day. 
My  wound  now  became  so  bad  that  I  was  removed  to  a 
house,  hoping  to  return  soon. 

Note. — The  Captain  was  sent  to  the  hospital  on  June  5th  and  re 
signed  September  29th,  1964. 

RECOLLECTIONS  OF  THE  SIEGE  OF  CHATTANOOGA  AND 
THE  BATTLE  OF  LOOKOUT  MOUNTAIN.  BY  CAPTAIN 
WILLIAM  STRAWN,  COMPANY  F. 

The  weary  two  months  that  we  were  besieged, 
cooped  up  and  nearly  starved  in  Chattanooga  can  never 
be  forgotten  while  any  soldier  lives  who  endured  it. 
Many  incidents,  both  comic  and  serious,  occurred.  The 
Kegiment  was  stationed  close  up  to  Fort  Negley  in  plain 
view  of  Lookout  Mountain.  The  rebels  often  amused 
themselves  in  throwing  ten-pound  shot  at  the  fort  and 
us  without  any  serious  injury,  but  we  considered  it 
somewhat  discourteous.  At  times  the  weather  was 
very  bad.  The  general  discomfort  of  our  situation  w^as 


364  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

much  relieved  by  the  stern  determination  of  all  grades 
of  our  army  to  hold  on  to  the  city  that  had  cost  us  so 
much  blood  to  acquire. 

A  private  in  Company  E  voiced  the  universal  feel 
ing  in  the  following  vigorous  style:  Some  one  said  to 
him,  "We  may  be  starved  out  and  compelled  to  retreat."" 
He  replied:  "Not  by  a  d— d  sight;  I  would  rather  live 
on  grits  three  months;  it  cost  too  much  to  get  here  to 
ever  give  it  up."  This  man  was  the  champion  growler 
of  Company  E,  but  the  exigencies  of  the  case  found  him 
right  on  this  question.  During  the  siege  officers,  pri 
vates  and  the  poor  dumb  brutes  alike  suffered  for  wrant 
of  food.  Men  crawled  over  the  ground  where  horses 
and  mules  had  been  fed  to  get  the  chance  grains  of 
corn  the  animals  had  wasted.  Where  the  skinny  cat 
tle  were  slaughtered  heads  sold  for  two  dollars  and  a 
half  apiece.  These  were  scalded  like  a  hog's,  so  that 
even  the  hide  was  not  wasted.  The  paunch  was  soused 
in  the  river  and  being  prepared  was  considered  an  espe 
cially  dainty  morsel.  I  have  eaten  portions  of  about 
every  part  of  a  beef,  except  the  horns  and  hoofs,  and 
all  was  good.  The  days  seemed  longer  and  grew  more 
monotonous.  The  uppermost  thought  was  how  to  get 
something  to  eat.  The  animals  had  to  be  guarded  while 
eating  the  few  ears  of  corn  allowed  them.  Frequently 
a  man  came  back  with  an  ear  or  two  of  corn.  To  offer 
him  a  quarter  for  half  of  it  would  be  to  insult  him. 
He  might  give  it  to  a  comrade,  however.  The  corn  had 
been  foraged  from  a  mule,  of  course,  but  a  man  was 
of  more  value  than  a  mule.  At  last  wThen  Grant  and 
Sherman  arrived  our  spirits  began  to  rise.  Finally 
Sherman's  army  was  reported  crossing  the  river  above 
the  city  and  Hooker  closing  in  on  Lookout  Mountain. 
On  November  24th  the  spiteful  sounding  cannon  on 
Moccasin  Point  began  to  play  on  Lookout.  Our  Brigade 
and  most  of  the  army  was  in  line  of  battle  with  little 
to  do  except  watch  Hooker  drive  the  rebels  around 
the  point  of  Lookout.  There  was  rain  and  mist  on  the 
side  of  the  mountain  mixing  with  the  smoke  of  battle. 
We  felt  like  holding  our  breaths  while  both  friend  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  365 

foe  were  hidden  by  it.  The  combatants  were  three 
miles  off,  but  we  saw  the  enemy  sullenly  retreating; 
then  cheer  after  cheer  went  up  from  our  army  in  the 
city.  Late  in  the  afternoon  our  Brigade,  which  had  been 
sent  to  relieve  Hooker,  crossed  Chattanooga  Creek  and 
climbed  the  side  of  Lookout  by  whatever  support  we 
could  get  from  brush,  saplings  and  rocks.  About  ten 
we  filed  into  Hooker's  lines  and  a  desultory  firing  was 
kept  up  until  midnight.  Only  a  few  men  of  our  Bri 
gade  were  wounded.  We  had  little  rest  or  sleep  that 
night.  In  the  morning  we  beheld  the  Stars  and  Stripes 
waving  over  the  summit  of  Lookout  and  learned  that 
the  enemy  had  retired  to  Mission  Ridge.  The  Regiment 
in  marching  over  the  field  saw  some  of  our  dead  foes 
lying  where  they  had  fallen  or  in  the  shelter  of  rocks, 
where  they  had  crept  to  die.  We  soon  after  descended 
to  the  valley  and  at  about  four  p.  m.  of  the  25th  partici 
pated  in  the  grand  charge  on  Mission  Ridge. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


The  Field  and  Staff— Non-Commissioned     Staff— Roster    and     Bi 
ographies. 


COLONEL  ABSALOM  B.  MOORE.     Colonel  Moore  was  born  in 
New  Jersey,  but  it  has  been  impossible  to  obtain  the  date  of  his 
birth,  or,  indeed,  any  facts  in  regard  to  his  career  previous  to  his 
advent  in  Illinois.     Before  the  war  he  was  in  the  employ  of  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad  Company,  and  about  that  time  also,  was 
known  as  a  local  preacher  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.     He 
first  became  prominent  in  La  Salle  County  in  the  exciting  political 
campaign  of  1860.     Being  nominated  by  the  Republican  party  for 
the  office  of  Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court,  he  made  an  active  canvass  on 
the  stump  and  was  elected  by  a  large  majority.    Thereafter  he  pos 
sessed  for  some  years  a  power  in  county  politics  that  outlived  his 
military  career.    When  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regiment  was- 
recruited,  he  became  a  candidate  for  the  colonelcy  and  was  elected 
over  his  brilliant  competitor,  Oliver  C.  Gray,  by  a  large  majority. 
Was  commissioned  Colonel,  August  27,  1862.     The  facts  in  regard  to 
his  military  service  will  be  found  in  the  general  history  of  the  Regi 
ment  and  need  not  be  repeated  here.     Colonel  Moore  resigned  Sep 
tember  9,  1863,  returned  home  and  resumed  his  duties  as  Circuit 
Clerk.    On  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office,  he  was  elected  Clerk 
of  the  County  Court  for  four  years.     He  subsequently  removed  to 
Chicago  and  held  a  minor  appointment  under  the  Federal  Govern 
ment.    He  died  June  7,  1879.    The  remains  were  conveyed  to  Ottawa 
by  an  escort  from  Cashman  Lodge,  A.,  F.  and  A.  Masons,  and  buried 
in  the  Ottawa  Avenue  Cemetery,  June  9,  1879,  by  Occidental  Lodge, 
No.  40,  A.,  F.  and  A.  Masons,  of  which  the  de'ceased  was  a  member. 
Colonel  Moore  was  a  man  who  had  many  friends  and  some  enemies, 
but  was  possessed  of  a  warm  heart  and  never  turned  a  deaf  ear  to 
the  cry  of  distress.    He  was  also  noted  in  the  days  of  his  prosperity 
for  many  benefactions  that  are  still  remembered. 

COLONEL  DOUGLAS  HAPEMAN.  Colonel  Hapeman  was  born 
in  Ephratah,  Fulton  County,  N.  Y.,  January  15,  1839,  and  descended 
from  Germany  ancestry.  In  1845  the  family  removed  to  Illinois  and 
settled  in  the  township  of  Earl,  La  Salle  County,  where  young  Hape 
man  remained  on  his  father's  farm  until  he  was  ten  years  of  age. 
At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  entered  the  office  of  the  "Free  Trader"  at 
Ottawa,  to  learn  the  printer's  trade.  Applying  himself  faithfully 
during  the  following  years  the  outbreak  of  the  Rebellion  found  him 
thoroughly  versed  in  all  the  details  of  business  in  what  was  then 
the  largest  newspaper  and  publishing  house  in  the  county  and  master 
of  what  he  intended  should  be  his  life  vocation.  While  thus  em 
ployed  in  the  "Art  preservative  of  all  arts"  the  thunders  of  Sumter's 
cannon  awoke  the  Nation  from  its  delusive  dreams  of  peace  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  367 

ushered  in  the  Great  Rebellion.  Closely  following  came  the  call  to 
arms,  and  among  the  hundreds  of  thousands  of  loyal,  patriotic  and 
brave  stood  young  Hapeman.  He  enlisted  April  14,  1861,  for  three 
months'  service  in  what  became  Company  H,  Eleventh  Illinois  In 
fantry,  a  regiment  first  commanded  by  the  immortal  W.  H.  L. 
Wallace,  who  impressed  upon  it  the  character  of  his  own  military 
genius,  skill  and  bravery,  and  made  every  member  proud  to  say: 
"I  belonged  to  the  Eleventh."  Hapeman  was  elected  Second  Lieuten 
ant  of  his  company  and  commissioned  April  23,  1861.  The  Eleventh 
was  stationed  at  Villa  Ridge,  111.,  watching  the  enemy  across  the 
river  and  making  occasional  marches  upon  rumors  of  his  approach, 
but  was  in  no  engagements  larger  than  a  skirmish.  Under  the  skilled 
hand  of  General  Wallace  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  T.  E.  G.  Ransom 
(afterward  the  distinguished  general  and  commander  of  divisions 
and  army  corps),  the  Eleventh  attained  that  high  degree  of  military 
drill  and  discipline  which  won  it  imperishable  renown  at  Donelson 
and  Shiloh.  Upon  the  expiration  of  the  three  months'  service  the 
Eleventh  was  recruited  and  re-enlisted  for  three  years.  Lieutenant 
Hapeman  remained  in  the  same  position,  his  second  commission 
being  dated  July  30, 1861.  He  participated  in  all  the  various  marches 
and  engagements  of  his  regiment  in  the  fall  of  1861  and  early  winter 
of  1861  and  1862.  Expeditions  were  made  into  Missouri,  resulting  in 
fighting,  at  Charleston  and  Bloomfield.  Lieutenant  Hapeman  was 
also  in  the  reconnoissance  under  General  Grant,  to  Columbus,  Ky.  He 
participated  in  the  advance  on  Fort  Henry  in  February,  1862,  and 
was  distinguished  for  his  bravery  and  skill  in  command  of  his  com 
pany  at  Fort  Donelson  on  the  13th,  14th  and  15th  of  February,  1862, 
where  the  Eleventh  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  339  men,  and  Lieu 
tenant  Hapeman's  company  42  men.  The  Regiment  had  cov 
ered  itself  with  glory,  but  was  destined  to  win  still  brighter  laurels 
at  Shiloh,  April  6  and  7,  1862.  Its  losses  there  were  nearly  fifty  per 
cent.  Following  the  fortunes  of  the  Eleventh,  we  next  hear  of 
Lieutenant  Hapeman  at  the  siege  of  Corinth,  Miss.,  where  he  held 
a  "field"  position  as  Adjutant  of  the  Regiment.  Meantime,  in  far 
away  Illinois,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Infantry  was  organized 
in  La  Salle  County.  The  fame  of  the  Eleventh  and  the  gallantry  of 
its  officers  and  men  was  well  known  to  the  people  of  tho  county,  from 
which  many  of  them  had  enlisted.  In  the  month  of  August,  1862, 
Lieutenant  Hapeman,  then  in  the  field,  was  unexpectedly  to  him 
self,  tendered  the  position  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  the  crack  regiment  of  the  county.  He  accepted,  was 
"discharged  for  promotion,"  returned  home,  was  commissioned  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  for  gallant  services  in  the  field,  August  23,  1862,  and 
mustered  October  3d.  On  September  6,  1862,  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  commanding  (Colonel  Moore 
being  sick),  left  for  the  front  at  Louisville,  near  which  the  Regiment 
remained  for  about  five  weeks  in  various  camps.  Major  Widmer  not 
arriving  until  October,  the  task  of  teaching  one  thousand  new  and 
mostly  raw  officers  and  men  the  rudiments  of  military  life,  drill  and 
discipline,  fell  upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  very  largely,  he 
being  the  only  experienced  field  officer  present.  That  he  then,  and  al 
ways,  devoted  himself  and  his  energies  to  the  interests  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  is  well  known.  But  events  were  hastening  and 
General  Bragg  thundering  at  the  gates  of  Louisville.  In  October,  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  still  but  imperfectly  drilled,  began  its  long 


.368  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

series  of  marches,  campaigns  and  battles,  first  following  Bragg  to 
ward  Perryville  and  with  other  troops,  occupying  Frankfort,  the 
capital  of  Kentucky.  The  Regiment  remained  there  some  time  and 
Colonel  Moore  being  appointed  to  command  the  Thirty-ninth  Bri 
gade,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  commanded  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  employing  all  the  time  possible  in  drilling  it.  The 
Regiment  soon  after  began  the  march  to  Bowling  Green  and  the 
Tennessee  campaign.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  commanded  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  with  courage 
and  skill,  doing  all  that  a  brave  soldier  could  do  to  win  success. 
But  he,  with  the  command,  became  prisoners  of  war,  and  he  waa 
confined,  in  prison  at  Atlanta  and  Richmond  for  some  months.  Being 
released  in  the  spring  of  1863,  he  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Brent- 
wood,  Tenn.,  May  21st.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  ordered 
to  Murfreesboro  soon  after  and  assigned  to  "fighting"  General  John 
Beatty's  Brigade  (First  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Fourteenth  Army 
Corps,  Army  of  the  Cumberland).  The  Tullahoma  campaign  was 
on  the  eve  of  opening  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  participated 
in  it,  being  present  at  Elk  River  and  wherever  fighting  occurred. 
He  took  part  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign  and  was  in  the  remark 
able  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  September  11,  1863.  Colonel  Moore, 
who  had  resigned  some  time  previous,  left  the  Regiment  on  the  15th 
and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hapeman  succeeding  him,  commanded  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  in  the  great  battle  of  Chickamauga,  Sep 
tember  19th  and  20th,  and  the  engagements  of  the  21st,  near  Ross- 
ville.  For  meritorious  services  there  he  was  commissioned  Colonel 
of  the  Regiment  in  September.  Colonel  Hapeman  was  in  the  siege 
of  Chattanooga,  cheerfully  enduripg  all  the  privations  of  that  trying 
time,  only  solicitqus  for  the  welfare  of  his  men,  but  the  boys  claim 
that  the  Colonel's  favorite  horse  sometimes  lost  an  ear  of  corn  from 
his  scanty  allowance — so  great  was  their  hunger.  In  the  battles  of 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
was  led  by  Colonel  Hapeman  with  a  distinguished  bravery  and  skill 
that  was  remarked.  In  the  latter  battle  he  inspired  his  men  both 
by  words  and  example  to  the  great  deeds  that  followed  and  crowned 
every  man  with  a  wreath  of  glory.  Following  that  battle,  Colonel 
Hapeman  led  the  Regiment  in  pursuit  of  Bragg's  fleeing  army  and 
was  engaged  at  Graysville  and  Ringgold.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign, 
beginning  May  2,  1864,  Colonel  Hapeman  commanded  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth  in  the  four  months  of  marches,  skirmishes  and 
battles,  and  there  was  seldom  a  day  when  he  was  not  under  fire. 
He  was  present  at  Rocky  Face,  the  terrific  battles  at  Resaca,  the 
engagements  on  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek,  near  Dallas,  and  the  battles 
around  New  Hope  Church;  the  siege  and  battles  around  Kenesaw 
Mountain  and  the  actions  on  the  Chattahoochee.  At  the  bloody  battle 
of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,  1864,  when  one-half  of  the  right  wing 
of  the  Regiment  had  been  killed  and  wounded  and  further  disaster 
seemed  imminent,  Colonel  Hapeman,  ably  supported  by  Major  Wid- 
mer,  rallied  the  remainder  of  the  Regiment  and  hurled  it  upon  the 
foe  in  victory.  One  of  the  boys  who  had  his  right  shoulder  shat 
tered  there,  says  in  a  letter  to  the  writer:  "His  (Colonel  Hapeman's) 
conduct  on  that  occasion  showed  him  to  have  been  '.the  bravest  of 
the  brave.'"  Captain  Strawn  said  to  the  writer  about  this  battle: 
"We  had  become  so  accustomed  to  the  coolness  of  our  field  officers 
that  no  demoralization  occurred."  From  that  time,  we  find  Colonel 


Major  John    H.    Widmei 

FROM  A   PHOTOGRAPH  TAKEN    IN    1894. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  369 

Hapeman  commanding  the  demi-brigade,  or  left  wing,  and  leading  it 
in  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  the  almost  daily  assaults  and  advances; 
those  where  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  suffered  greatest  loss 
being  the  actions  on  Utoy  Creek,  August  7  and  14,  1864.  He  was 
present  at  Jonesboro — the  last  battle  of  the  campaign,  and  Atlanta 
falling,  marched  his  gallant  veterans  in  proud  triumph  to  that  city, 
where  Colonel  Hapeman  was  ordered  to  take  command  of  the 
Brigade,  September  8,  1864.  For  his  eminent  services  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  Colonel  Hapeman  should  have  been  appointed  a  brigadier- 
general.  The  least  effort  on  his  part  would  have  secured  the  prize 
that  scores  of  far  less  able  and  less  deserving  officers  frantically 
grasped  for  and  in  many  instances  obtained.  But  Colonel  Hapeman 
instead  of  running  off  to  Washington  to  scheme  for  promotion,  re- 
remained  with  his  Brigade.  He  commanded  the  Brigade  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  and  until  November  8,  1864,  when  Colonel  Hobart  returning, 
assumed  command  by  virtue  of  seniority  of  rank,  and  Colonel  Hape 
man  thereafter  commanded  the  demi-brigade  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  in  the  siege  of  Savannah.  In  the  latter,  as  shown  elsewhere, 
the  spirit  of  enterprise  and  daring  exhibited  by  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  conspicuous  and  resulted  in  a 
Brigadier's  star  for  Colonel  Hobart,  a  very  worthy  soldier,  but  the 
scales  of  justice  would  have  been  more  evenly  balanced  had  another 
been  bestowed  on  Hapeman  and  corresponding  rewards  on  others. 
Savannah  having  fallen,  Colonel  Hapeman,  leaving  the  Regiment  in 
charge  of  Major  Widmer,  went  home  on  a  brief  absence,  but  owing 
to  unavoidable  causes,  was  unable  to  rejoin  the  command  in  the 
campaign  of  the  Carolinas  until  it  arrived  near'  Raleigh.  He  was 
thus  enabled  to  be  present  at  the  closing  scenes  in  the  death  throes 
of  the  Rebellion  and  Johnston's  surrender.  The  war  was  over  and 
Colonel  Hapeman  marched  with  the  remnant  of  his  battle-scarred 
veterans  to  Washington,  where  he  participated  in  the  fitting 
triumphal  scene — the  Grand  Review  of  the  vast  armies  of  the  Union 
in  the  Nation's  capital.  Being  mustered  out  June  6.  1865,  Colonel 
Hapeman  returned  to  his  home  at  Ottawa,  111.,  immediately  resumed 
his  connection  with  the  "Free  Trader"  as  a  partner,  and  also  estab 
lished  a  book  and  stationery  business,  which  is  now  the  largest  in 
the  city.  In  1867  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella,  daughter 
of  William  and  Phoebe  Thomas.  A  son  and  daughter  blessed  this 
union.  The  Colonel,  besides  his  own  business,  is  president,  or  man 
ager,  of  several  solid  business  corporations  in  Ottawa,  active  in  all 
public  business  enterprises,  but  not  inclined  to  politics.  He  is  a 
prominent  and  active  worker  in  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  the  Loyal 
Legion,  and  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  His  business  career, 
which  has  been  successful,  bears  a  striking  resemblance  in  method 
to  his  course  in  the  army,  strictly  business-like,  careful  and  sure, 
without  ostentation.  But  there  were  occasions  during  the  war,  when 
unusual  dangers  threatened,  amid  the  roar  of  battle,  the  rain  of  lead 
and  iron,  with  brave  men  falling  like  autumn  leaves,  that  Colonel 
Hapeman  showed  a  promptness  of  action  equal  to  the  demand,  with 
out  losing  those  qualities  of  courage,  coolness,  and  calm  judgment 
that  mark  the  true  soldier  and  commander. 

MAJOR  JOHN  H.  WIDMER.    Major  Widmer  was  born  in  Wayne 

County,  Ohio,  and  came  to  Illinois  sometime  previous  to  the  war. 

That  event  found  him  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  at  Ottawa,  111. 

Upon  the  fall  of  Sumter,  Major  Widmer,  then  twenty-five  or  twenty- 


370  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

six  years  of  age,  was  one  of  the  first  to  respond  to  the  call  of  Governor 
Yates  for  three  months'  volunteers,  and  enlisted  April  19,  1861,  as  a 
private  in  Captain  William  L.  Gibson's  Company  I,  of  General  W.  H. 
L.  Wallace's  Regiment,  the  famous  Eleventh  Illinois  Infantry.  Upon 
the  expiration  of  the  three  months'  service,  he,  and  Greenbury  L. 
Fort,  of  Lacon,  111.,  recruited  the  company  for  three  years'  service. 
Fort  was  elected  Captain  and  Widmer  First  Lieutenant,  his  commis 
sion  being  dated  September  1,  1861.  Lieutenant  Widmer  participated 
in  the  various  movements  and  engagements  of  the  Eleventh  in  the  fall 
of  1861  and  winter  of  1862.  Among  these  were  the  expeditions  to 
Charleston  and  Bloomfield,  Mo.,  the  reconnoissance  under  General 
Grant,  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  and  the  advance  on  Fort  Henry  in  Febru 
ary.  At  the  investment  and  battle  of  Fort  Donelson,  February  12th, 
13th,  14th  and  15th,  Lieutenant  Widmer  commanded  the  company 
with  bravery,  skill  and  credit,  and  for  meritorious  services  there, 
was  commissioned  captain  April  24,  1862.  He  continued  to  serve  with 
the  Eleventh  until  in  September,  1862,  when  he  received  a  telegram 
asking  if  he  would  accept  the  position  of  Major  in  a  new  regiment 
organized  in  La  Salle  County.  The  position  was  wholly  unsought  by 
him,  but  he  replied  that  he  would  accept.  The  Eleventh  was  then 
about  starting  on  an  expedition,  from  which  it  returned  from  Fort 
Henry  in  two  weeks.  There,  Captain  Widmer  received  a  special 
order  from  the  War  Department,  discharging  him  from  the  Eleventh, 
"for  promotion."  He  at  once  set  out  for  the  "New  Regiment,"  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  joining  it  at  Louisville,  Ky.  The  Major's 
reputation  as  an  officer  and  fighter  had  preceded  him,  and  on  ar 
rival,  he  met  with  a  warm  reception  from  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth.  From  that  time  until  the  close  of  the  war,  Major  Widmer 
participated  in  every  skirmish,  battle  and  campaign  in  which  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  engaged.  He  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  where  he  was  taken 
prisoner  and  confined  at  Atlanta  and  in  Libby  Prison  for 
several  months,  but  was  released  in  April,  1863,  and 
rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Brentwood,  Tenn.,  in  time 
to  participate  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns  and  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  He  was  in  the  skirmishes  following  the  lat 
ter  battle  and  rendered  valuable  services  on  the  picket  lines  during 
the  siege  of  Chattanooga.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  battles  of 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  and  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy, 
resulting  in  skirmishes  at  Graysville  and  Taylor's  Ridge.  But  the 
qualities  that  marked  Major"  Widmer  as  an  officer  of  superior  ability, 
coolness  and  bravery,  were  more  fully  developed  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign,  its  battles  and  engagements,  extending  over  four  months. 
Colonel  Hapeman  being  always  present,  and  in  command  of  the 
Regiment,  Major  Widmer,  as  an  extra  field  officer  in  it,  was  more  fre 
quently  on  the  Skirmish  line  than  any  other  one  man  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  and  if  more  than  one  company  was  sent  out 
always  accompanied  the  detail.  He  was  always  in  splendid  physical 
condition  and  was  called  upon  oftener  than  any  other  officer  to  take 
charge  of  brigade  and  division  skirmish  lines  and  detachments.  As 
such,  he  came  on  duty  nearly  every  other  day  from  the  opening  of 
the  campaign.  The  Major  came  to  love  that  kind  of  fighting,  and 
when  the  rifle  balls  were  singing  merrily  and  everything  going  on 
right,  was  in  his  element  and  perfectly  undisturbed.  This  quality 


Adjutant  Rufus  C.   Stev< 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  371 

generally  enabled  him  to  be  successful  in  planting  his  line  where  it 
was  ordered.  But  as  he  himself  says,  his  success  was  almost  wholly 
due  to  his  brave  boys.  He  and  they  soon  found  out  that  there  was  a 
big  difference  between  line  of  battle  fighting  and  skirmishing.  In 
the  former,  the  soldier  is  part  of  a  machine,  and  is  seldom  called 
upon  to  exercise  his  judgment;  in  the  latter  his  individuality  plays  a 
prominent  part.  This  trait  was  a  marked  characteristic  of  the  men 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  and  the  other  regiments  from  which 
the  details  were  made,  and  they  soon  took  to  skirmishing  like  ducks 
to  water,  naturally.  The  Major  took  care  to  give  both  officers  and 
men  his  full  confidence  by  telling  them  what  he  wished  to  accom 
plish.  In  short,  he  had  confidence  in  them  and  they  in  him.  We  find 
in  the  great  war  history,  "The  Rebellion  Records,"  numerous  com 
pliments  paid  to  the  bravery,  ability  and  success  of  Major  Widmer 
in  his  conduct  of  the  skirmish  lines  in  the  Atlanta  campaign.  His 
daring  act  in  boldly  entering  the  enemy's  line  of  rifle  pits  on  Utoy 
Creek,  alone,  in  broad  daylight,  and  its  consequences,  will  be  found 
narrated,  elsewhere.  Always  ready  for  duty  every  day  and  hour  of 
the  campaign,  he  was  in  the  engagements  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the 
battles  around  Resaca,  the  engagements  on  Pumpkin  Vine,  around 
Dallas,  and  at  New  Hope  Church;  the  numerous  battles  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  and  the  bloody  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,  1864, 
where  the  whole  right  wing  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was 
almost  annihilated  by  a  fierce  attack  in  flank,  but  the  bleeding 
fragments  and  the  left  wing,  held  firm  and  launched  in  victorious 
assault  on  the  enemy,  by  the  coolness  and  bravery  of  Hapeman  and 
Widmer.  Said  one  of  the  boys:  "I  expected  to  see  them  shot  forty 
times."  Following  Peach  Tree  Creek  came  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  and 
the  fierce  six  weeks  of  almost  daily  fighting  or  skirmishing  in  front 
of  the  city  and  on  the  line  of  Utoy  Creek,  and  the  battle  of  Jones- 
boro.  In  all,  Major  Widmer  was  an  active  participant.  Atlanta 
being  won,  Colonel  Hapeman  thereafter  commanding  the  Brigade, 
or  demi-brigade,  the  Major  commanded  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  at  the  siege  of  Savannah.  At  the  latter 
place  he,  aided  by  some  daring  officers  and  men  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Fourth,  performed  some  acts,  narrated  elsewhere,  that  placed 
the  stars  of  a  general  on  other  shoulders.  But  it  is  believed  by  the 
writer  that  neither  Hapeman  nor  Widmer  were  fighting  for  stars — 
except  those  of  the  Star  Spangled  Banner.  Major  Widmer  com 
manded  the  Regiment  in  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  in  the 
last  battle,  that  of  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  showed  his  accustomed  skill 
and  bravery  in  fighting  vastly  superior  numbers  without  proper  aid 
or  support.  The  war  was  over  and  Major  Widmer,  who  had  enlisted 
at  the  sound  of  the  first  gun  from  Sumter,  and  remained  in  service 
through  over  four  long  years,  marched  with  the  command  to  Wash 
ington,  where,  after  taking  part  in  the  Grand  Review,  he  sheathed  a 
sword  that  had  always  been  worn  with  honor  and  never  grown 
rusty  from  disuse,  returned  home  and  prepared  to  follow  the  pur 
suits  of  peace.  For  a  time  he  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  business, 
but  about  1869,  resumed  the  practice  of  law  at  Ottawa,  111.,  in  partner 
ship  with  Hon.  Henry  Mayo.  He  has  been  eminently  successful  and 
stands  very  high  among  the  legal  fraternity  and  his  fellow  citizens. 

ADJUTANT  RUFUS  C.  STEVENS.  Rufus  C.  Stevens  was  born 
in  Cabot,  Caledonia  County,  Vermont,  April  5,  1824.  His  parents 
were  of  English  descent.  When  he  was  thirteen  years  old,  the 


372  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

family  removed  to  New  Hampshire.  In  1840,  young  Stevens  decided 
to  learn  the  printer's  trade,  and  entered  the  office  of  the  "Herald 
of  Freedom,"  at  Concord.  In  1849,  he  went  to  California,  via  Cape 
Horn,  landed  in  San  Francisco,  and  was  engaged  in  shoveling 
«and  at  fifty  cents  an  hour.  Subsequently,  with  E.  C.  Webster  and 
others,  he  went  to  digging  for  gold.  He  returned  to  New  Hampshire 
in  1851,  purchased  a  newspaper  and  published  it  until  1857.  In  the 
meantime  he  was  a  representative  in  the  State  Legislature  two  terms. 
In  1857  he  removed  to  Illinois,  settling  at  La  Salle,  and  with  E.  C. 
Webster,  published  the  "Press"  until  August,  1862,  when  he  received 
the  appointment  of  Adjutant  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  Regi 
ment,  and  was  commissioned  August  27,  1862.  In  all  the  following 
years  of  the  war  he  served  with  his  command  in  all  its  marches,  bat 
tles  and  campaigns,  exhibiting  a  courage  and  endurance  that  never 
faltered  and  gained  him  the  love  and  confidence  of  all.  He  came  to 
Toe  known  as  "Old  Steve"  among  the  boys,  who  soon  discovered  that 
in  him  were  united  the  qualities  of  the  true  soldier — unflinching 
bravery  and  kindness  of  heart  in  time  of  suffering.  Adjutant 
Stevens  participated  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  Tenn.  There  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  leg  and 
unfit  for  duty  several  months,  but  recovering,  in  April,  1863,  he 
marched  with  the  Regiment  to  the  front  and  was  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20,  1863,  and  the  en 
gagement  of  the  21st  at  Rossville.  He  endured  the  siege  of  Chatta 
nooga  and  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge,  and  the  pursuit  of  Bragg's  fleeing  columns  to  Graysville  and 
Ringgold.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  Adjutant  Stevens  participated 
in  every  action  and  battle  of  the  Regiment,  being  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  the  series  of  en 
gagements  on  the  Pumpkin  Vine,  in  the  vicinity  of  Dallas  and  New 
Hope  Church.  He  was  in  the  fierce  conflicts  around  Kenesaw  and  the 
bloody  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek;  at  the  siege  of  Atlanta  and  the 
several  actions  on  the  line  of  Utoy  Creek;  the  battle  of  Jonesboro. 
He  took  part  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  was  on  the  march  to  the  sea/and 
at  the  siege  of  Savannah.  His  career  of  military  service  was  rounded 
up  in  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas  and  at  the  battle  of  Bentonville, 
where  he  was  again  wounded  quite  severely,  but  would  not  leave  the 
field.  From  there  he  went  to  Washington,  where,  after  taking  part 
in  the  Grand  Review,  he  returned  home.  Soon  after  he  was  ap 
pointed  revenue  inspector  of  the  Sixth  District  and  held  the  office 
for  two  years.  He  was  then  in  the  grain  business  until  on  Webster 
becoming  postmaster  at  La  Salle,  he  edited  the  "Press."  He  was 
elected  sheriff  of  the  county  in  1876,  and  re-elected  in  1878.  After 
this  he  became  editor  of  the  Ottawa  "Globe,"  but  subsequently  moved 
to  Minnesota,  bought  and  edited  the  "Tribune,"  of  Morris.  As  an 
editor  he  rose  rapidly  into  prominence  in  that  section  of  the  state 
and  bore  an  important  part  in  the  public  affairs  of  the  district.  But 
old  age  was  creeping  on,  his  old  wounds  troubled  him  and  induced 
other  troubles,  which  resulted  in  his  death,  February  17,  1893.  The 
grim  veteran  who  had  faced  shot  and  shell  on  so  many  battlefields  of 
the  rebellion,  unmoved,  had  to  yield  to  the  conqueror  of  all,  at  last, 
and  he  did  so  with  a  calmness  and  determination  that  showed  the 
Roman  Saxon  type  of  character  in  which  he  was  molded.  He  left 
as  a  noble  heritage  to  his  family  and  friends,  a  record  as  a  man  anil 


// 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  373 

soldier,  that  will  be  long  remembered,  while  the  men  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  as  long  as  one  survives,  will  never  forget,  or 
have  other  than  Dleasant  memories  of  "Old  Steve." 

QUARTERMASTER  EDWARD  L.  HERRICK.  Edward  L.  Her- 
rick  was  appointed  Quartermaster  and  commissioned  August  23,1862. 
The  writer  has  been  unable  to  obtain  any  data  in  regard  to  his  place 
of  birth,  but  remembers  him  as  a  bright  young  man  before  the  war, 
engaged  in  the  offices  of  circuit  and  county  clerks  of  La  Salle  County, 
as  a  deputy.  He  was  an  expert  penman  and  good  business  man. 
Considerable  surprise  was  manifested  when  he  suddenly  appeared 
with  a  commission.  He  served  through  the  war  as  Quartermaster, 
and  like  all  that  genus,  had  to  stand  considerable  cussing  at  times 
when  the  rations  were  short  or  of  poor  quality.  He  was  mustered  out 
June  6,  1865,  and  returning  to  Ottawa,  engaged  in  business,  but  was 
employed  in  the  court  house  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred 
some  years  ago. 

SURGEON  REUBEN  F.DYER.  Surgeon  Dyer  was  born  in  Strong, 
Maine,  January  29,  1833.  Members  of  the  family  had  been  prominent 
in  the  Revolutionary  War.  Young  Dyer,  after  receiving  a  good  edu 
cation,  studied  medicine  in  Maine  and  afterward  in  Cincinnati, 
graduating  there  from  the  American  Medical  College  in  1856.  He 
came  to  Newark,  111.,  and  settled  down  to  the  practice  of  medicine. 
When  Fort  Sumter  fell,  April  14,  1861,  Dr.  Dyer  enlisted  the  same 
day  and  raised  a  company  of  which  he  was  elected  captain.  This 
was  mustered  into  the  service  ol  the  United  States  as  Company  K, 
Twentieth  Illinois  Infantry.  Captain  Dyer  went  with  it  to  the  front 
and  took  part  in  the  engagements  of  the  Regiment,  the  first  being  at 
Fredericktown,  Mo.  Captain  Dyer  and  his  company  won  renown  by 
moving  on  in  advance  of  the  Regiment,  capturing  a  battery  and 
spiking  the  guns.  He  was  in  the  advance  on  Fort  Henry  and  fought 
at  Donelson,  Company  K  occupying  and  holding  an  advanced  position 
and  fighting  with  heroic  valor.  Subsequently,  Captain  Dyer  resigned 
for  the  purpose  of  entering  the  medical  staff.  In  the  summer  of  1862, 
when  the  calls  were  made  for  more  troops,  he  was  the  first  one  to 
take  action  in  the  matter  of  raising  a  new  regiment  from  La  Salle 
County,  and  had  hand  bills  printed  calling  for  a  meeting.  Captain 
Johnson  Misner  and  Oliver  C.  Gray  were  identified  with  him  in  the 
movement.  Delays  and  changes  occurred,  but  the  initiative  thus 
taken  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth. 
Dr.  Dyer  was  appointed  surgeon,  his  commission  being  dated  August 
25,  1862.  Thereafter  he  was  continuously  on  duty  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  After  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  he  remained  there, 
and  at  Gallatin,  in  charge  of  the  wounded,  and  established  at  the 
latter  place  an  army  hospital  (No.  14),  that  was  a  model  of  its  kind. 
The  Regiment  having  been  ordered  to  Camp  Douglas,  Dr.  Dyer  re 
joined  it  in  February,  1863,  taking  along  with  him  the  wounded  men 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  who  were  able  to  go.  When  the 
Regiment  returned  to  the  front  in  April,  1863,  and  set  out  on  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  Surgeon  Dyer  accompanied 
it  and  was  fully  occupied,  especially  after  the  great  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  when  thousands  of  wounded  and  sick  required  attention. 
After  the  battle  of  Mission  Ridge  Surgeon  Dyer  organized  another 
hospital,  of  which  he  had  charge.  In  preparation  for  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  he  was  directed  to  organize  a  brigade  field  hospital, 
which  was  subsequently  merged  into  a  division  hospital.  He  was 


374  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

operator  for  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  and  on  the  fall  of  At 
lanta,  was  detailed  as  surgeon  of  the  First  Division,  Fourteenth  Army 
Corps.  He  was  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  after  the  fall  of 
Savannah,  was  acting  medical  director  on  the  staff  of  General  Jeffer 
son  C.  Davis,  holding  the  position  till  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was 
mustered  out  June  6,  1865,  and  returned  to  Ottawa,  111.,  and  has 
practiced  there  since  as  a  physician  and  surgeon.  It  is  hard  to  ap 
preciate,  or  to  form  any  proper  and  just  estimate  of  the  invaluable 
services  performed  by  Surgeon  Dyer  during  his  army  career,  but  to 
understand  how  he  stood  in  the  estimation  of  the  men  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  it  is  only  necessary  to  ask  those  who  are  still 
alive,  and  came  under  his  care,  or  witnessed  his  labors. 

FIRST  ASSISTANT  SURGEON  JULIUS  A.  FREEMAN.  Dr. 
Freeman  was  born  in  Worcester,  Otsego  County,  New  York,  and  was 
thirty-four  years  of  age  at  enlistment.  He  was  then  practicing 
medicine.  He  was  commissioned  and  mustered  into  the  service 
August  25,  1862,  and  joined  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  at  Frank 
fort,  Ky.,  marched  with  it  to  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  and  rendered  valu 
able  services  there  during  and  after  the  battle  in  caring  for  the 
wounded.  When  the  Regiment  returned  to  the  front  at  Nashville 
in  1863,  he  was  taken  sick,  went  to  hospital  and  resigned  July  13, 
1863.  He  afterward  served  as  surgeon  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
Is  now  a  physician  and  surgeon  at  Millington,  111. 

SECOND  ASSISTANT  SURGEON  THOMAS  B.  HAMILTON. 
Dr.  Hamilton  was  born  in  Ohio,  but  removing  to  Wenona,  111.,  was  a 
practicing  physician  and  surgeon  there  when  the  call  came  for  600,000 
more.  We  have  been  unable  to  obtain  much  of  his  record,  but  ho 
must  have  been  about  twenty-five  years  old  in  1862.  Enlisting  as  a 
private  in  Company  H,  he  repaired  to  the  camp  at  Ottawa,  but  was, 
oh  the  organization  of  the  Regiment,  appointed  second  assistant  sur 
geon  and  commissioned  August  27,  1862.  In  the  Kentucky  campaign 
he  marched  with  the  command  to  Frankfort  and  thence  to  Bacon 
Station,  where  he  was  detailed  to  take  charge  of  the  sick,  who  were 
sent  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  and  put  in  hospital,  where  he  was  em 
ployed  for  some  time.  The  doctor  was  very  popular  with  the  boys 
and  in  the  service — mostly  in  hospitals,  until  he  was  himself  stricken 
down  with  disease.  He  died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  March  17,  1865. 
His  untimely  death  was  regretted  by  all  who  knew  him/ 

CHAPLAIN  WILLIAM  C.  SCHOFIELD.  This  gentleman's  name 
does  not  appear  on  the  muster  rolls  nor  in  the  Adjutant  General's 
report,  as  chaplain  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  nevertheless,  he 
served  as  such  until  after  Hartsville,  though  never  commissioned. 
While  with  the  Regiment  he  performed  some  useful  services.  He 
was  formerly  pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in  Ottawa, 

CHAPLAIN  WILLIAM  C.  F.  HEMPSTEAD.  Enlisted  as  a  pri 
vate  in  Company  I,  August  12,  1862;  appointed  First  Sergeant,  He 
was  promoted  and  commissioned  chaplain  in  the  spring  of  1863,  and 
was  with  the  Regiment  until  his  resignation,  September  1,  1863.  He 
has  been  dead  some  years. 

NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 

SERGEANT-MAJOR  QUINCY  D.  WHITMAN.  Born  in  Huron 
County,  Ohio;  age  at  enlistment  36;  occupation  bookkeeper;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  9,  1862,  in  Company  E.  Was  promoted  Ser- 
geant-Major.  He  participated  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  375 

• 

battle  of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  at 
Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  lie 
was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles 
around  Resaca,  the  engagements  on  the  Pumpkin  Vine  and  in  the 
vicinity  of  Dallas  and  New  Hope  Church;  the  battles  around  Kenesaw 
Mountain;  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek;  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  the 
actions  on'utoy  Creek  and  the  battle  of  Jonesboro.  He  also  took  part 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  at  the  siege 
of  Savannah.  His  honorable  career  of  service  was  completed  in  the 
campaign  of  the  Carolinas  and  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865,  and  returned  to  Ottawa,  111.  He  subsequently  removed  to 
Iowa  and  engaged  in  business.  Is  now  quartermaster-sergeant  of  the 
Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Home,  Quincy,  111. 

QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANT  ASHER  D.  GIBSON.  Enlisted 
from  Mission,  La  Salle  County,  August  15,  1862,  in  Company  G;  ap 
pointed  First  Corporal,  but  on  the  organization  of  the  Regiment  pro 
moted  Quartermaster-Sergeant  and  served  most  efficiently  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  Mustered  out  June  14,  1865.  When  last  heard 
from  he  lived  in  California. 

COMMISSARY-SERGEANT  AUSTIN  H.  FOWLER.  Enlisted 
August  5,  1862,  in  Company  H;  was  appointed  Second  Sergeant,  but 
soon  promoted  Commissary-Sergeant  and  filled  the  position  accept 
ably,  always  doing  his  best  to  furnish  the  boys  with  Uncle  Sam's 
rations,  supplemented  with  whatever  extra  supplies  could  be  drawn 
from  the  enemy  when  foraging  became  the  order  of  the  day.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865. 

HOSPITAL  STEWARD  JOHN  W.  CUPPY,    Enlisted  August  13, 

1862,  and  served  faithfully  until  August  1,  1863,  when  he  was  dis 
charged  for  disability.     The  Regiment  regretted  to  have  him  go. 
Said  to  be  living  in  Steubenville,  Ohio,  but  numerous  letters  have  re 
mained  unanswered,  hence  no  full  record  can  be  given. 

HOSPITAL  STEWARD  LUTHER  S.  SLYDER.  Enlisted  in 
•Company  K,  August  13,  1862;  promoted  hospital  steward  August  1, 

1863,  upon  the  discharge  of  John  W.  Cuppy.     Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.    Said  to  be  living  in  Iowa.    No  answer  to  many  letters  request 
ing  record. 

PRINCIPAL  MUSICIANS. 

David  McCampbell,  William  Raymond,  Joseph  G.  Wheat  and 
Joseph  Lewis,  who  went  out  with  the  Regiment  as  musicians,  have 
been  noticed  as  fully  as  the  records  will  admit  in  the  rosters  of  the 
respective  companies  to  which  they  belonged.  Many  changes  oc 
curred  in  the  "music"  and  the  "band"  of  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  which  the  historian  has  endeavored  to  bring  to  light  by 
appeals  to  Frank  Stire,  the  Edwards,  and  others,  but  without  suc 
cess.  It  is  of  record,  however,  that  Wheat  and  one  other  member  of 
the  Regiment  threw  away  their  instruments  and  seized  the  musket 
-by  preference. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


Company     A— How     and     Where   Organized— Roster   and   Biogra 
phies—Statistics. 


SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  A. 

Soon  after  the  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  "600,000 
more,"  recruiting  for  a  new  regiment  became  active  in 
La  Salle  County  and  Moses  Osman,  James  M.  Leighton, 
A.  Prescott,  and  others  began  enlisting  men  for  a  com 
pany.  By  August  15, 1862,  a  sufficient  number  had  been 
enrolled  and  the  company  was  organized  by  the  election 
of  James  M.  Leighton,  as  Captain,  Moses  Osman  First 
Lieutenant,  Alphonso  Prescott  Second  Lieutenant.  The 
non-commissioned  officers  appointed  by  the  Captain 
were  as  follows:  Davis  B.  Stillson,  First  Sergeant;  Ser 
geants,  James  H.  Newton,  Edwin  J.  Trowbridge,. 
Michael  Clancy,  Oliver  P.  Harding;  Corporals,  Isaac  N* 
Felch,  Daniel  W.  Stevenson,  Sidney  Y.  Arnold,  Norton 
Fields,  Eben  H.  Hollis,  Frank  Pickens,  James  Toll, 
Allen  Benedict.  The  excitement  of  election  being  over, 
thecompany,whichwas  designated  as  A,  went  into  camp 
at  the  fair  grounds  and  prepared  for  the  active  duties 
of  a  soldier's  life  by  daily  drills,  and  being  the  right  com 
pany  it  was  known  Avould  occupy  important  positions 
in  skirmishes,  battles,  etc.  In  the  subsequent  years  of 
service  in  the  field,  Company  A  always  acquitted  itself 
with  bravery  and  credit  and  suffered  its  fair  share  of 
casualties,  eleven  of  its  numbers  yielding  up  their  lives 
on  the  battlefield,  or  in  consequence  of  mortal  wounds, 
while  several  lost  limbs,  and  a  number  besides,  were  so 
badly  wounded  as  to  suffer  for  life.  In  the  Kentucky 
and  first  Tennessee  campaign,  Captain  Leighton  being 
detailed  on  Brigade  staff,  and  Lieutenant  Osman  also 
being  detailed  much  of  the  time,  Lieutenant  Prescott 
commanded  the  company  with  credit.  When  the  battle 


Lieut.  A.  Prescott,  Co.  A. 
Lieut.  A.  V.  Mitchell,  Co.  F. 
Capt.  J.  M.  Leighton,  Co.  A. 


Sergt.  F.  M.  Daugherty,  Co.  F. 
Capt   W.  Strawn,  Co.  F. 
Lieut.  C.  M.  Johnson,  Co.  F. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  377 

of  Hartsville  occurred  the  company  was  detached  and 
doing  provost  duty  in  the  village  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  camp.  There  it  was  surrounded  by  the 
rebel  cavalry  and  made  a  spirited  resistance  of  an  hour,, 
but  not  being  supported  and  unable  to  withdraw,  had  to 
surrender.  Sumner  M.  Burnham  was  killed,  Jonathan 
Lewis  mortally  wounded,  William  Buckley  was  severely- 
wounded,  also  O'Donnell  and  Potter.  In  the  Tullahoma. 
campaign,  the  company  was  under  fire  at  Elk  River,  also 
at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  at  Chickamauga  lost  on  Sep 
tember  19th  and  20th,  John  Dodd,  Peter  Olsen,  Michael 
O'Connor,  killed ;  F.  Sanchez,  wounded.  Samuel  Hutch- 
ings  was  wrounded  and  taken  prisoner  to  Andersonville, 
where  he  died  of  wounds.  A  number  were  wounded 
more  or  less  severely,  and  Captain  Leigh  ton  on  the  21st. 
The  company  lost  one  man  killed  at  Mission  Ridge.  On 
the  advance  of  Sherman's  army  the  company,  com 
manded  by  Captain  Leighton,  who  still  suffered  from 
his  wound,  was  from  the  first,  engaged  almost  daily  in 
skirmishing.  Sergeant  Benedict  was  killed  at  Resaca, 
May  13,  1864.  William  Barrett  lost  his  right  arm,  and 
several  were  wounded.  At  Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20, 
1864,  very  severe  losses  were  suffered,  the  company 
being  the  first  to  receive  the  full  force  of  the  rebel  at 
tack  and  in  flank.  The  company  suffered  again  at  Utoy 
Creek  and  at  Bentonville.  It  had  left  Graysville,  Ga.> 
with  twenty-seven  men  for  duty,  when  Atlanta  fell  but 
nine  were  left — present.  Death,  wrounds  and  sickness 
had  done  their  work.  For  details  read  the  record  of  the 
company. 

ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  JAMES  M.  LEIGHTON.  Age  33;  born  in  Maine;  came 
west  in  1856,  and  engaged  in  bridge  building;  three  years  later  he  re 
moved  to  Lockport,  111.,  and  was  appointed  Assistant  Superintendent 
of  the  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal.  In  the  summer  of  1862,  he  began 
recruiting  the  company  of  which  on  its  organization  he  was  elected 
Captain.  He  was  an  efficient,  brave,  and  popular  officer,  loved  by 
his  men.  In  October,  186^,  was  detailed  as  A.  A.  A.  General  on  the 
staff  of  Colonel  Limberg,  commanding  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade. 
On  the  march  through  southern  Kentucky  served  as  Provost  Marshal 
and  was  on  Brigade  staff,  performing  valuable  services.  He  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  skirmishes  on  the  march  to  Tullahoma 
and  Elk  River;  was  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka- 


378  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

manga;  severely  wounded  in  the  shoulder  on  September  21,  1863, 
near  Rossville,  from  which  he  never  recovered  entirely;  was  absent 
on  leave  until  April,  1864,  when  he  returned  and  commanded  his 
company  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New- 
Hope  Church,  etc.,  until  June  5th;  his  wound  then  became  so  bad  as 
to  compel  him  to  go  to  the  hospital  in  Nashville.  He  resigned  Sep 
tember  29,  1864,  on  account  of  wound,  returned  to  his  old  place  on  the 
canal,  and  on  the  retirement  of  William  Thomas,  he  became  Superin 
tendent.  Captain  Leighton  died  in  Lockport,  111.,  on  November  10, 
1892.  One  of  his  Company  said  to  the  writer,  "'A  braver  man  than 
Captain  Leighton  never  unsheathed  a  sword." 

CAPTAIN  MOSES  OSMAN.  Age  39;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
farmer;  came  to  Ottawa,  111.,  in  the  early  forties.  In  1846  he 
enlisted  in  Captain  T.  Lyle  Dickey's  company  of  Colonel  John  J. 
Hardin's  famous  Illinois  Regiment  and  served  one  year  in  the 
Mexican  war.  On  returning  to  Ottawa  he  became  interested  in  the 
"Ottawa  Free  Trader"  with  his  brother — William  Osman.  In  August, 
1862,  he  assisted  in  raising  men  for  the  Company  and  was  elected 
First  Lieutenant.  He  marched  with  his  command  to  Hartsville  but 
was  on  detail  at  the  time  of  the  battle.  In  the  Tullahoma  campaign 
was  Aide  de  Camp  on  the  Staff  of  General  John  Beatty;  was  with 
his  company  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  at  Davis  Cross  Roads 
and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  and  took  command  on  Captain 
Leighton's  retirement,  June  5,  1864;  was  in  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw;  at  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Commissioned 
Captain  September  29, 1864.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  but  was  taken 
sick  at  Savannah  and  went  home  on  a  leave  of  absence.  He  returned 
to  Charleston,  S.  C.,  where  he  commanded  a  battalion  in  the  Coast 
Division  until  ordered  to  rejoin  the  Regiment,  doing  so  at  Raleigh. 
Captain  Osman  was  a  good  officer  and  brave  man.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  After  the  war  was  interested  in  farming  in  Minnesota. 
He  was  a  writer  of  good  ability.  Died  in  Ottawa,  October  27,  1893. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  SYDNEY  V.  ARNOLD.  Was  born  in 
Washington  County,  N.  Y.,  March  7,  1844;  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Illinois  in  1855,  and  enlisted  August  11,  1862,  when  18  years  old; 
clerk;  was  appointed  Third  Corporal  upon  organization  of  Company 
A,  and  subsequently  First  Sergeant;  received  the  latter  promotion 
January  1,  1864,  for  meritorious  services  at  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Was  promoted  First  Lieutenant  to  take  rank  from 
September  29, 1864.  He  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  was  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge,  and  all  the  various  battles  and  skirmishes 
of  the  Regiment  on  the  Atlanta  campaign,  up  to  and  including 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  where  on  June  27,  1864,  he  was  wounded  in  the 
.foot,  and  rheumatic  fever  ensuing,  was  sent  to  hospital,  thence  home 
on  leave.  In  November,  1864,  on  his  way  to  rejoin  the  Regiment,  was 
unable  to  do  so  and  detained  at  Nashville,  where  he  was  put  in 
command  of  a  company  of  convalescents  all  members  of  the  First 
Division,  Fourteenth  Corps.  Lieutenant  ^Arnold  participated  in  the 
battle  of  Nashville  and  soon  after  in  th*e  action  at  Decatur.  Was 
appointed  Provost  Marshal  and  given  command  of  the  post  at  Ring- 
gold,  Ga.,  January  21,  1865,  by  Major-General  Steedman.  His  duties 
there  were  severe  and  of  a  difficult  and  dangerous  nature  on  account 
of  raiders  and  bushwhackers.  Guerrillas  under  Gatewood  and  Me- 


Lieut.  Sidney  V.  Arnold,   Company  A. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  379 

Donald  attacked  the  post  several  times  and  were  repulsed  with  loss. 
March  1,  he,  with  the  rest  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  were 
ordered  to  rejoin  the  Regiment  and  did  so  at  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  April 
9,  1865.  Lieutenant  Arnold  was  the  youngest  commissioned  officer 
in  the  Regiment  and  had  the  honor  of  being  detailed  to  take  charge 
of  the  Company  and  Regimental  records  from  Washington  to  Chicago 
for  the  final  muster-out  of  the  command.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lieutenant  Arnold  was  a  brave  soldier,  a  good  officer,  and  most 
efficient  in  the  performance  of  all  duties  that  devolved  upon  him  in 
whatever  position.  After  the  war  he  remained  in  Illinois  until  1883, 
when  he  removed  to  Edmunds  County,  Dakota,  and  was  a  pioneer 
of  that  section,  locating  towns  and  railroads.  He  now  holds  for  the 
•second  term  the  office  of  Recorder  of  Deeds;  lives  in  Ipswich,  the 
county  seat,  and  is  a  prominent  citizen. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  ALPHONSO  PRESCOTT.  Age  30; 
born  in  Kingston,  N.  H.;  merchant;  enlisted  at  Ottawa  in  August, 
1862,  and  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant.  He  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign,  and  often  detailed  on  important  duties  and  foraging 
expeditions  at  Frankfort  and  elsewhere,  being  often  in  command 
of  his  own  and  other  companies.  Also  performing  ably  the  duties 
of  Acting  Provost  Marshal  while  in  Kentucky.  He  marched 
with  the  Regiment  to  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  and  was  in  the  battle 
there.  Had  his  information  and  suggestions  before  that  occur 
rence  been  heeded,  the  result  of  the  battle  would  have  been  different. 
He  participated  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  was  at  Elk  River. 
Taken  sick  at  Decherd,  he  started  on  the  Chickamauga  campaign, 
but  at  Cowan  was  obliged  to  go  to  hospital  and  was  finally  sent  to 
Nashville,  and  while  there  was  reduced  m  weight  to  68  pounds;  was 
sick  a  long  time.  Resigned  September  2,1863.  Lives  in  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
Is  a  teacher.  Lieutenant  Prescott  was  a  fine  officer,  of  great 
executive  ability  and  unquestioned  bravery.  See  "Incidents." 

FIRST  SERGEANT  DAVIS  B.  STILLSON.  Enlisted  from 
Earlville  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the 
"battle  of  Hartsville;  was  taken  sick  and  discharged  July  6,  1863;  dis 
ability.  He  was  a  good  soldier. 

SERGEANT  JAMES  H.  NEWTON.  Enlisted  from  Earlville  Au 
gust  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Discharged  at  Decherd, 
Tenn.,  July  14,  1863. 

SERGEANT  EDWIN  J.  TROWBRIDGE.  Age  20;  born  in  Ohio; 
farmer;  was  in  the  three  months'  service;  enlisted  from  Bruce  July 
23,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge,  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  His  record  as  a  fighter 
speaks  for  itself.  Lives  in  Santa  Ana,  Cal. 

SERGEANT  FRANK  PICKENS.  Enlisted  from  South  Ottawa 
August  15,  1862;  farmer;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  He  participated  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  and  Jonesboro.  He  was  in 


380          THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the  pursuit  of  Hood  as  far  as  Rome,  Ga.  Took  part  in  the  battle  of 
Nashville  and  was  in  the  action  at  Decatur,  Ala.,  where  he  had 
charge  of  Colonel  Mitchell's  headquarters  guard.  Rejoined  the 
Regiment  in  North  Carolina.  Promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Frank  was  always  on  hand 
and  ready  for  a  fight.  He  now  lives  in  South  Ottawa. 

SERGEANT  MICHAEL  CLANCY.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa  August 
15,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  at  the  muster  out  of  the  Regiment  was 
serving  in  the  United  States  Navy. 

SERGEANT  OLIVER  P*  HARDING.  Enlisted  from  South 
Ottawa  August  14,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River;  in  the 
Chickamauga  campaign  to  Stevenson,  Ala.,  left  there  sick;  rejoined 
the  Regiment  December  2,  1863;  participated  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
and  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles 
around  Kenesaw  and  Peach  Tree  Creek;  killed  in  the  latter  battle 
July  20,  1864,  and  the  Regiment  and  country  lost  a  brave  soldier  and 
valuable  life. 

SERGEANT  ISAAC  N.  FELCH.  Enlisted  from  Earlville  August 
15,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
campaign  to  Decherd; taken  sick; rejoined  the  Regiment  December 25, 
1863,  and  was  in  the  Atlanta  and  Carolina  campaigns.  Promoted 
Sergeant  for  meritorious  services  and  mustered  out  July  1,  1865. 

SERGEANT  ALLEN  BENEDICT.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa  August 
14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Promoted  Sergeant.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca,  where  May  13,  18G4. 
the  gallant  soldier  yielded  up  his  life. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  FERRIS.  Age  18;  born  in  Illinois: 
enlisted  from  Ottawa  August  15,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  promoted 
Corporal;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  and  battles 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
where  he  was  wounded.  Rejoined  the  regiment  in  December,  1863, 
and  was  in  the  subsequent  campaigns  and  battles;  was  taken  prisoner 
at  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  DANIEL  W.  STEVENSON.  Age  22;  born  in  New 
Jersey;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa  July  22,  1862;  appointed 
Corporal;  taken  sick  on  the  march  from  Frankfort  to  Bowling 
Green,  Ky.  Discharged  there  for  hepatized  lung  October  25,1862;  has 
never  recovered.  Is  a  farmer  at  Sunrise,  111. 

CORPORAL  NORTON  FIELDS.  Enlisted  from  South  Ottawa 
August  15,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
February  11,  1864.  Died  some  years  ago. 

CORPORAL  EBEN  H.  HOLLIS.  Age  20;  enlisted  from  Utica 
August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  at  Elk 
River,  but  taken  sick  there  and  sent  to  hospital.  Transferred  to 
V.  R.  C.  April  10,  1864.  Lives  in  Ottawa  and  is  a  machinist.  Was  a 
faithful  soldier. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  TOLL.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa  August  14,, 
1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  at  Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma* 
campaign;  taken  sick  at  Decherd  and  discharged  August  13,  1863. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  381 

CORPORAL  NATHANIEL  BAKER.  Age  28;  born  in  Warren 
County,  Pa.;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  15,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  in  the  Carolina  campaign  to  Bentonville,  where 
he  was  wounded  March  19,  1865.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  July  17,  1865.  The  record  tells.  Is  a  farmer 
in  Brookfield. 

CORPORAL  HIRAM  WHITMAN.  Age  24;  born  in  Germany: 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa  August  14,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville; 
taken  sick  and  subsequently  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865,  as  Corporal. 

CORPORAL  PATRICK  DOBBINS.  Age  22;  born  in  Ireland; 
laborer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle 
of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  severely  wounded  and  discharged 
for  same  April  10,  1864. 

WILLIAM  RAYMOND.  Age  21;  born  in  Peru,  111.;  enlisted  as 
musician  August  15, 1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  discharged 
January  6,  1863;  disability.  Lives  in  Ottawa. 

FRANCIS  PORTER.  Age  45;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  butcher: 
enlisted  August  15, 1862;  was  teamster;  discharged  November  9, 1864; 
disability. 

PHILIP  B.  ALLEN.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862;  was  never  with 
the  Company. 

FRANCIS  BADYS.  Age  29;  born  in  Germany;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa  August  15,  1862;  deserted  in  the  face  of  the  enemy  at  Chicka 
mauga  September  20,  1863. 

ENOCH  T.  BAILEY.  Age  18;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa  August  8,  1862;  was  at  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Was 
wounded  at  Chickamauga.  Always  at  the  front  and  fearless. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JAMES  BRUCE.  Age  27;  born  in  Scotland;  enlisted  August  15, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  transferred  to  I.  C.  July 
13,  1863. 

EDWARD  BOLLMAN.  Age  30;  born  in  Russia;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred 
to  V.  R.  C.  August  30,  1863. 

SUMNER  M.  BURNHAM.  Age  21;  born  in  Maine;  farmer; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he 
was  killed  December  7,  1862;  a  true  soldier  and  a  great  loss  to  the 
company. 

POLITUS  BENNETT.  Age  39;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  enlisted 
from  Earlville  August  15,  1862;  engineer;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign.  Discharged  December  21,  1863;  disability. 

WILLIAM  BARRETT.  Age  21;  born  in  Gal  way,  Ireland;  sailor; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 


382  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca, 
where  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  arm  May  13,  1864,  and 
discharged  for  wound  February  26,  1865.  He  was  a  brave  soldier  and. 
will  never  be  forgotten  by  the  Company.  After  the  war  in  the 
employ  of  Illinois  and  Michigan  Canal,  and  drowned  in  the  summer 
of  1868. 

WILLIAM  BUCKLEY.  Age  20;  born  in  Clare,  Ireland;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Earlville  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  neck. 
Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost  and 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  where  he  was  taken  prisoner.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Was  true  to  his  adopted  country. 

DANIEL  BLEACH.  Age  43;  born  in  Ireland;  laborer;  enlisted 
August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  captured  July  20,  1864.  Mustered, 
out  June  6,  1865.  Always  on  hand  in  times  of  danger. 

BURTON  W.  BAGLEY.  Age  28:  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Earlville  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca,  where  he  was  wounded  in 
the  face  May  13,  1864.  Discharged  October  26,  1864,  for  wounds. 
Lives  in  Earlville,  111. 

JACOB  CONRAD.  Age  31;  born  in  France;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  14,  1862;  deserted  December  30,  1862. 

CHRISTIAN  CHREISFELLAR.  Age  31,  born  in  Germany; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
at  Hartsville;  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca,  where  he  was  wounded  in 
the  neck.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  He  was  a  good  soldier  but 
chickens  had  to  roost  high  when  Chris  was  around.  Died  in  1894. 

TIMOTHY  CUNNINGHAM.  Age  19;  born  in  Ireland;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  died  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  November  20, 
1862. 

JOHN  R.  CANTLIN.  Age  20;  born  in  Ottawa,  Canada;  enlisted 
from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862;  farmer;  at  time  of  Hartsville  battle 
was  a  guard  at  the  rebel  Dr.  Winston's,  and  was  not  captured;  went 
to  Gallatin,  thence  to  Camp  Douglas  and  from  there  to  the  front  with 
the  Regiment;  was  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge;  soon  attacked  with  an  incurable  disease  of 
the  eyes;  discharged  March  27,  1865,  as  incurable;  still  suffers;  lives 
in  Webster,  Neb.;  a  large  farmer;  has  been  a  member  of  the  Legisla 
ture  twice;  commander  of  G.  A.  R.  posts;  and  has  held  many  offices  of 
trust;  secretary  of  the  State  Grange,  etc. 

ALEXANDER  DUNLAP.  Age  36;  born  in  Scotland;  farmer; 
enlisted  August  15,  1862;  deserted  December  30,  1862. 

JOHN  DODD.  Age  37;  born  in  Nova  Scotia;  blacksmith;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  where  he  was  killed  September  20,  1863.  A  brave  soldier  who 
never  missed  a  roll-call  and  could  always  be  relied  upon. 

HENRY  DONNELLY.  Age  19;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  ac 
tions  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  and  its  battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Always  at  roll-call  and 
ready  for  duty.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JGfrlN  DOWNEY.    Never  with  the  company. 

DAVID  DONVILLE.  Age  21;  born  in  France;  enlisted  from  Earl- 
ville,  August  15,  1862;  deserted  March  14,  1863. 

OLIVER  DREW.  Age  42;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
where  he  was  wounded  September  20,  1863.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
January  2,  1865.  Was  a  fearless  soldier. 

CHARLES  FULLER.  Age  24;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartoville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  where  he  was  wounded  September  20,  1863.  Mustered  out 
June  15,  1865.  He  was  a  good  soldier. 

BLOOMFIELD  GREEN.  Age  20;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  S.  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign. 
Discharged  May  1,  1863,  disability. 

JESSE  GANT.  Age  25;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  August 
14,  1862;  deserted  March  14,  1863. 

DAVID  C.GRIFFITH.  Age  23;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  from 
Serena,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  mortally  wounded  in  the  charge  on  Mission  Ridge,  Novem 
ber  25,  1863.  Died  at  Chattanooga,  November  27,  1863. 

CHARLES  E.  HEADSTRONG.  Age  21;  born  in  Sweden;  enlisted 
from  Grand  Rapids,  August  15,  1862;  farmer;  mustered  out  June  6, 
1865. 

SAMUEL  HUTCHINGS.  Age  20;  born  in  Michigan;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  farmer;  was  at  Hartsville,  Elk  River, 
in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  at  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga;  died  of  wounds  in  Andersonville,  August  8, 
1864.  Number  of  grave  5,019.  A  good  soldier.  May  he  rest  in  peace. 
RICHARD  HETZNER.  Age  23;  born  in  Germany;  enlisted 
August  15,  1862;  farmer.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  November  1,  1863. 

WILLIAM  HEFFERAN.  Age  23;  born  in  Ireland;  enlisted  Au 
gust  15,  1862;  farmer;  deserted  December  30,  1862. 

ROBERT  HIGHLAND.  Age  22;  born  in  Ireland;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  farmer;  deserted  December  30,  1862. 

PAUL  HAMILTON.  Age  33;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  farmer;  deserted  December  30,  1862. 

WILLIAM  HORN.  Age  29;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 


384  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickmauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In 
the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville;  missed  nothing  but  his  rations;  always  ready  for 
duty.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  at  Grand  Ridge,  111. 

WILLIAM  H.  KNAPP.  Age  21;  born  in  Illinois;  blacksmith;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  At 
lanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kene 
saw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  He  was  on 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  Never  missed  roll-call  or  duty.  Lives  in 
Ottawa,  111. 

WALTER  KETCHUM.  Age  38;  born  in  Canada;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  dishonorably  discharged  May,  1865. 

PIERCE  KINNELLY.  Age  31;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  deserted  March  20,  1863. 

JOHN  KNECHT.  Age  39;  born  in  Germany;  mason;  enlisted 
from  Serena,  August  15,  1862.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  January  15, 
1865. 

ALONZO  H.  LARKINS.  Age  18;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the 
battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Killed  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,  1864.  One  of  the  youngest  and  bravest 
fell. 

JONATHAN  LEWIS.  Age  31;  born  in  Ohio;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  blacksmith;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  mortally  wounded  at  Hartsville,  December  7,  1862;  died  in  Camp 
Douglas,  111.,  April  16,  1863. 

DENNIS  J.  MURPHY.  Age  20;  born  in  New  York;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15>  1862;  blacksmith;  was  in  all  the  battles  of  the 
Regiment  up  to  and  including  Chickamauga;  taken  sick;  died  in 
Chattanooga,  November  1,  1863.  Active,  energetic,  brave  and  faith 
ful  to  the  last. 

WILLIAM  McCLARE.     Never  with  company. 

CHARLES  McNEAL.  Age  22;  born  in  New  York;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  carpenter;  discharged  September  23,  1863, 
for  disability;  was  a  good  soldier. 

WILLIAM  H.  NORTON.  Age  31;  born  in  Maine;  enlisted  from 
Earlville,  August  15,  1862;  shoemaker;  was  at  Hartsville,  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  and 
most  of  tlie  battles  of  the  Atlanta  campaign;  on  the  latter  was  taken 
sick;  sent  to  Springfield,  111.;  discharged  November  8,  1864.  Had 
previously  served  in  Company  D,  Twenty-third  Illinois,  and  was  at 
the  siege  of  Lexington,  Mo.  Lives  in  Earlville,  111. 

SILAS  OLMSTEAD.  Age  30;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Serena,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  385 

battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  taken  sick  in  Camp  Douglas;  discharged 
April  27,  1863;  disability. 

PETER  OLSEN.  Age  40;  born  in  Norway;  enlisted  from  Ottawa, 
August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he 
was  killed  September  20,  1863. 

MICHAEL  O'RILEY.  Age  24;  born  in  Ireland;  enlisted  August 
15,  1862;  he  participated  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville,  and  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was 
at  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  He  was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood  as  far  as 
Rome,  Ga.;  at  Nashville  and  the  action  at  Decatur,  Ala.  Rejoined  the 
Regiment  in  North  Carolina;  was  always  ready  for  duty.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Chicago  and  has  been  on  the  Park  police 
force  for  many  years. 

PATRICK  O'DONNELL.  Age  21;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  en 
listed  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  severely  in  the  arm,  but  es 
caped  capture.  (See  Incidents.)  He  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church;  the 
battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain.  In  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  July  20,  1864,  was  again  wounded  in  the  arm  and  taken 
prisoner;  arm  was  amputated  and  the  undaunted  O'Donnell  escaped, 
rejoined  his  Regiment  and  was  mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  He  was 
known  among  the  boys  as  "Happy  Pat."  He  was  a  fearless  man  and 
soldier,  and  the  only  enemy  he  ever  had  was  himself.  Died  some 
years  ago,  but  no  one  will  ever  forget  him — the  daring,  generous,  and 
brave. 

MICHAEL  O'CONNER.  Age  36;  born  in  Scotland;  farmer;  he 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in,the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  killed  September 
20, 1863.  He  was  always  at  the  front  and  a  brave  man. 

TIMOTHY  M.  O'CONNER.  Age  21;  born  in  Scotland;  enlisted 
August  15,  1862;  mechanic;  was  at  Hartsville,  Elk  River,  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek;  taken  prisoner  July  20,  1864;  a 
good  soldier.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  O'BRYAN.  Age  23;  born  in  Ireland;  enlisted  from  Ot 
tawa,  August  15,  1862:  laborer;  deserted  March  16,  1863. 

WILLIAM  PRATT.  Age  44;  born  in  Ohio;  enlisted  from  Ottawa, 
August  15,  1862;  engineer;  detailed  as  teamster;  discharged  for  dis 
ability,  April  24,  1864.  Faithful  to  duty. 

DANIEL  PURSLEY.  Age  25;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Dayton,  August  15,  1862;  mustered  out  June  10,  1865. 

LYMAN  POTTER.  Age  23;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded.  Was  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  again  wounded. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  now  dead. 


386  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

FORBES  H.  POTTER.  Age  20;  born  in  Illinois;  enlisted  August 
15,  1862;  deserted  March  14,  1863. 

CARL  PETTERMAN.  Age  38;  born  in  Germany;  laborer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  January 
15,  1864. 

HENRY  RIDDLE.  Age  20;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Farm  Ridge,  August,  1862;  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  bat 
tle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  January  6,  1863;  disability. 

JAMES  ROACH.  Age  21;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  enlisted  from 
Grand  Rapids,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Mustered  out  May  17,  1865. 

THOMAS  RYAN.  Age  19;  born  in  Ireland;  sailor;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  was 
a  fine  type  of  a  soldier.  Discharged  January  9,  1864;  disability. 

EDWARD  RICHARDSON.  Age  21;  born  in  England;  mechanic; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  8,  1862.  Mustered  out  June  12,  1865. 

WILLIAM  ROBERTSON.  Age  48;  born  in  Scotland;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862;  deserted  March  14,  1863. 

FRANCISCO  SANCHEZ.  Age  27;  born  in  Mexico;  painter;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga,  where  he  was  wounded  September  20,  1863.  His  sub 
sequent  record  is  unknown. 

ANTON  SMITH.  Age  26;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Grand  Rapids,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  and  its  battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the 
sea;  in  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  the  battle  of  Bentonville; 
always  re£dy  for  duty.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Grand 
Rapids,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

FREDERICK  SUNDERMAN.  Age  19;  born  in  Germany;  farmer; 
enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at 
Hartsville.  Taken  sick  and  died  at  home  March  13,  1863. 

HENRY  SMITH.  Age  30;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862;  deserted  April  11,  1863. 

JOHN  TIDMARSH.  Age  31;  born  in  England;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Manlius,  August  15,  1862.  Absent  sick  at  M.  O.  of  Regiment. 

ELIAS  THOMPSON.  Age  24;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  S.  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign. 
Died  in  Chicago,  February  26,  1863. 

DAVID  VARNER.  Age  22;  born  in  Virginia;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Rutland,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the 
actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
•Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  severely  wounded  July  20,  1864; 
discharged  for  wounds  February  23,  1865.  Lives  at  Kingman,  Kan. 

PHILIP  WICHERT.  Age  27;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  en 
listed  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  387 

of  Hartsville.  Left  sick  at  Murfreesboro,  June  24,  1863.  Transferred 
to  V.  R.  C.  October  21,  1863. 

ULYSSES  WEUVE.  Age  26;  born  in  Germany;  jeweler;  enlisted 
from  Serena,  August  15,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  August  30,  1863.  Lives 
at  State  Center,  Iowa. 

JOHN  M.  WINSLOW.  Age  24;  born  in  Maine;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  o*  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elkt  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In 
the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Participated  in 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Rocky  Face,  the  battles  at  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church;  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  and  was  at  Peach 
Tree  Creek.  On  August  7,  1864,  the  brave  Winslow  fell  at  Utoy 
Creek.  He  had  in  1861,  served  in  the  Twenty-third  Illinois,  and  was 
in  the  siege  of  Lexington,  Mo. 

LUCIEN  WARREN.  Age  18;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  enlisted 
July  27,  1862;  was  in  the  march  to  Bowling  Green  and  Tompkinsville, 
Ky.;  left  there  sick  and  reported  dead,  but  recovered  and  reported  at 
Camp  Douglas.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  at  Elk  River, 
but  had  a  sunstroke  there  July  1,  1863;  removed  to  Decherd  and 
thence  to  Louisville.  Discharged  September  1,  1863;  disability.  A 
good  soldier.  Is  now  in  the  newspaper  business  at  Galesburg,  111. 

RECRUITS. 

STEPHEN  CHRIESFELLER.  Age  25;  born  in  Germany;  me 
chanic;  enlisted  from  Joliet,  January  4,  1864.  Died  in  Nashville,  July 
4,  1864. 

AMOS  T.  FERGUSON.  Age  22;  born  in  Indiana;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Rutland,  September  27,  1864,  and  was  in  the  subsequent 
campaigns  of  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Last  heard 
of  in  Kansas. 

GEORGE  SIGMUHL.  Age  33;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Joliet,  January  4,  1864.  Adjutant-General's  report  says: 
"Corporal — remains  to  be  transferred." 

THOMAS  G.  M  ALONE  Y.  Age  40;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Grand  Rapids,  April  11,  1865.  Adjutant-General's  report 
says:  "Sentenced  by  G.  C.  M.  to  serve  sixteen  months  over  time." 


388  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

STATISTICS  OP  COMPANY  A. 

Total  enlistment 96 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 11 

Wounded f7 

Resigned  for  wound 1 

Resigned  for  disability 1 

Discharged  for  wounds 4 

Discharged  for  disability 16 

Died  of  disease 5 

Died  in  prison 1 

Deserted 13 

Never  with  company « 3 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 20 

Tranferred  to  V.  R.  C 9 

Transferred  to  I.  C 1 

Detached  at  M.  0 1 

Absent  sick  at  M.  0 1 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 6 

Remained  to  be  transferred 1 

Sentenced  by  G.  C.  M 1 

Dishonorably  discharged. 1 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 22 


Gen.  S.  A.  Porter,  Co.  B. 
S.  W.  Burgess.  Co.  B. 
Capt.  G.  W.  Howe,  Co.  B. 


G.  R.  Conarroe,  Co.  B. 

Lieut.  M.  M.  Randolph,  JCq.  ;B. 

A.  G.  Robinson,  Co.  B.  \ 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


Company     B— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics. 


SKETCH  OP  COMPANY  B. 

This  company  ^as  recruited  and  organized  at  Ton- 
ica,  La  Salle  County,  in  August,  1862,  amid  the  wave 
of  enthusiasm  and  patriotic  indignation  that  swept 
the  country  at  that  time.  Prominent  among  those  who 
helped  to  raise  the  company  were  George  W.  Howe,  a 
well-known  farmer  near  Tonica;  Eev.  Moses  M.  Ran 
dolph,  pastor  of  the  Tonica  Baptist  Church,  and  Sam 
uel  A.  Porter,  then  teaching  school  in  the  village.  The 
community  was  largely  American,  descendants  of  New 
England  and  Revolutionary  stock,  and  the  response  to 
President  Lincoln's  call  for  600,000  more  men,  was 
prompt  and  hearty  on  the  part  of  the  stalwart  sons  of 
the  prairie.  Before  the  middle  of  August,  1862,  the 
ranks  were  full  and  some  went  away  to  enlist  in  other 
companies.  The  company  was  then  organized  by  the 
election  of  George  W.  Howe  as  Captain,  Moses  M.  Ran- 
dolp  First  Lieutenant,  samuel  A.  Porter  Second  Lieu 
tenant. 

The  following  non-commissioned  officers  were  ap 
pointed:  William  C.  Ross,  First  Sergeant;  Cromwell 
Woodward,  Second  Sergeant;  Asa  Dunham,  Third  Ser 
geant;  Jos.  D.  Porter,  Fourth  Sergeant;  Philander  Tal- 
bot,  Fifth  Sergeant.  The  following  were  appointed 
Corporals  in  this  order:  Joseph  G.  Wheat,  Albert  C. 
Bassett,  Jesse  A.  Bryant,  Charles  Menz,  William  M. 
Chambers,  Nathaniel  Richy,  Andrew  Foss  and  Wil 
liam  Seeley. 

The  company  went  into  camp  with  the  Regiment 
at  Ottawa,  and  was  drilled  daily  by  Lieut.  Porter,  who 
had  seen  service  in  Company  B,  Thirty-third  Illinois 


390  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Infantry,  and  was  an  efficient  drill-master,  who  subse 
quently  attained  distinction  and  high  rank.  Going 
to  the  front  the  company  participated  with  the  Regi 
ment  in  all  its  marches  and  battles  and  made  a  record 
for  bravery  and  efficiency  second  to  none.  Its  casual 
ties  in  battle  tell  the  story  of  bloodshed  and  suffering 
endured.  At  Hartsville  the  men  showed  the  kind  of 
material  they  were  made  of.  There  the  lamented  and 
brave  Lieutenant  Randolph  gave  his  life  for  his  coun 
try;  John  Reder  was  mortally  wounded,  dying  in  Feb 
ruary,  1863 ;  John  C.  Vail,  mortally  wounded ;  Sergeants 
Joseph  D.  Porter,  Cromwell  Woodward,  George  Steid- 
inger  and  Howard  B.  White  wrere  killed.  Eight  were 
wounded,  a  few  very  badly.  The  company  participated 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  and 
the  great  battle  of  Chickamauga  with  credit.  At 
Decherd,  Tenn.,  Captain  Howe,  who  was  a  brave,  able 
and  highly  regarded  officer,  resigned  on  account  of  ill 
health  and  Lieutenant  Porter  became  Captain.  Lieu 
tenant  William  C.  Ross,  who  had  been  promoted  from 
First  Sergeant  to  Second  Lieutenant  December  10th> 
1862,  became  First  Lieutenant.  At  Chickamauga  Rob 
ert  M.  Warnock  was  killed;  Joseph  M.  Chance  mortally 
wounded;  Warren  Hutchinson  killed;  seven  were 
wounded,  among  them  Captain  Porter,  who  lost  his 
left  arm,  and  Jacob  Johnson,  who  was  also  taken  pris 
oner,  and  in  Andersonville  eighteen  months.  The  sub 
sequent  record  of  Company  B  was  in  keeping  with  the 
deeds  that  marked  its  first  achievements,  and  worthy 
of  the  reputation  won  in  the  first  battle.  In  the  bat 
tles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge  and  on 
the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca;  in 
the  battles  around  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  at  Utoy 
Creek,  where,  on  August  7th,  1864,  Sergeant  Albert  C. 
Bassett,  commanding  the  company,  fell;  in  all  these, 
and  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea;  the 
campaign  through  the  Carolinas,  and  at  Bentonville, 
Company  B  was  represented  and  prominent,  though 
with  ranks  reduced.  The  living  members  can  refer  with 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  391 

pride  to  its  honorable  service  and  rejoice  in  the  part 
it  performed  in  helping  to  conquer  the  great  rebellion. 

ROSTER  OP  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  GEORGE  W.  HOWE.  Age  39;  born  in  Roylston,  Vt.; 
farmer;  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  at  Tonica,  and  became  active  in 
recruiting  men  for  a  company.  On  organization  was  elected  Captain 
and  repaired  to  Ottawa  with  his  men  and  the  company  became  a 
part  of  the  famous  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  Going  to  Louisville 
with  the  Regiment,  Captain  Howe  participated  in  the  campaign  in 
Kentucky  after  Bragg,  and  in  the  march  to  Bowling  Green  and 
thence  to  Hartsville,  where,  on  December  7,  1862,  the  One  and  Fourth 
fought  its  first  battle  against  overwhelming  odds.  The  story  of  the 
battle  is  given  elsewhere,  but  Captain  Howe  was  distinguished  on 
that  disastrous  and  bloody  field  for  coolness  and  personal  courage. 
He  was  at  the  head  of  his  company  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and 
with  Company  B,  in  the  ten  hours  under  fire  on  the  advance  to  Elk 
River.  Bragg  having — after  being  driven  back  from  Tullahoma  and 
across  the  Elk — retreated  across  the  Cumberland  Mountains,  the 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  went  into  comp  at  Decherd,  Tenn.  There, 
Captain  Howe,  becoming  enfeebled  and  in  poor  health,  resigned,  a 
step  much  regretted  by  his  own  company  and  by  the  Regiment.  The 
Captain  returned  to  his  beautiful  home  near  Tonica,  where  he  has 
been  honored  with  important  public  offices  and  is  enjoying  a  happy 
and  good  old  age,  respected  and  loved  by  all. 

CAPTAIN  SAMUEL  A.  PORTER.  Age  23;  born  in  Ripley, 
Brown  County,  Ohio,  July  7,  1839;  enlisted  first  in  Company  B,  Thirty- 
third  Illinois,  August  20,  1861;  discharged  for  disability  April  10, 
1862;  was  a  school  teacher  in  Tonica,  111.,  when  he  enlisted  the  second 
time,  August,  1862,  in  .Company  B,  and  at  once  entered  with  spirit 
into  the  work  of  recruiting  men  for  the  company.  At  the  organiza 
tion  he  was  elected  Second  Lieutenant;  his  previous  experience  and 
capacity  for  command  soon  became  apparent  and  Company  B  at 
tained  with  him  as  drill  master  a  high  degree  of  efficiency.  Lieu 
tenant  Porter  was  noted  for  his  thoroughness  in  all  he  undertook 
and  this  was  the  secret  of  his  success  as  a  soldier.  He  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  and  the  Chickamauga 
campaigns.  Was  promoted  First  Lieutenant  December  10,  1862, 
and  mustered  March  8,  1863;  made  Captain  August  11,  1863,  and 
mustered  October  3,  1863.  Captain  Porter  commanded  Company  B  in 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga  and  lost  on  that  bloody  field  his  good  left 
arm.  In  consequence  of  his  wound  he  had  to  go  to  the  hospital  for 
some  months.  He  resigned  August  24,  1864,  and  was  mustered  as  First 
Lieutenant  in  the  V.  R.  C.  to  date  from  August  22d;  was  made  Captain 
August  29,  1864,  and  mustered  out  October  6,  1864,  to  become  Colonel 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-third  United  States  Colored  troops. 
As  such,  he  commanded  the  department  of  colored  troops  in  Mis 
sissippi  for  some  time,  and  there  had  an  opportunity  to  display  his 
great  executive  ability.  He  was  brevetted  Brigadier-General  March 
13,  1865,  for  gallant  and  meritorious  services  during  the  war;  was 
made  Captain  by  brevet,  March  20,  1867,  for  gallant  and  meritorious 
services  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  and  Major  by  brevet  also. 
Was  transferred  to  the  Seventeenth  Infantry,  Regular  Army,  May 
27,  1869.  Retired  with  the  rank  of  Captain,  December  15,  1870,  for 


392  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

loss  of  left  arm  from  wound  received  in  line  of  duty,  "per  acts  of 
Congress,  August  and  July,  1866."  General  Porter  died  in  Boston, 
April  21,  1880.  Nothing  more  need  be  said  about  Brevet  Brigadier 
General  Porter,  his  record  speaks  for  itself. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  C.  ROSS.  Enlisted  in  August,  1862;  farmer; 
appointed  First  Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  promoted  to 
Second  Lieutenant,  December  10,  1862;  participated  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  promoted  First  Lieutenant  Au 
gust  11,  1863;  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  and  was  dis 
tinguished  there  for  reckless  daring.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter  was  severely 
wounded  and  obliged  to  go  to  the  hospital  for  some  time,  consequently 
did  not  take  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign.  Rejoined  Company  B,  at 
Kingston,  Ga.,  November  4,  1864,  and  was  mustered  on  the  6th,  as 
Captain,  his  commission  dating  from  August  24,  1864.  Henceforth 
Captain  Ross  was  on  deck  at  all  times;  was  on  the  march  to  the 
sea,  and  through  South  Carolina,  where  he  commanded  foraging 
parties  frequently,  a  work  for  which  he  had  a  great  adaptability  and 
one  he  liked.  But  he  went  once  too  often,  being  captured  at  Stroud's 
Mill,  on  Fishing  Creek,  S.  C.,  February  26,  1865.  He  and  the  party 
he  commanded  were  surrounded  by  Dibrell's  cavalry.  Ross,  how 
ever,  proposed  to  fight,  and  did,  until  having  killed  and  disabled  some 
four  or  five  rebels,  and  seeing  no  way 'of  escape,  he  surrendered  with 
most  of  his  men.  The  air  around  Fishing  Creek  was  said  to  be  sul 
phurous  from  the  Captain's  swearing.  He  was  sent  to  Libby — a 
prisoner,  and  exchanged  in  time  to  be  mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Captain  Ross  had  strong  personal  characteristics,  physically  and 
mentally,  that  made  him  conspicuous  and  marked  his  military  career. 
Residence  unknown. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  MOSES  M.  RANDOLPH.  Was  born  in 
DeWitt  County,  111.,  December  10,  1834;  descended  directly  from  the 
Virginia  Randolphs  of  historic  fame;  was  educated  at  Shurtleff  Col 
lege,  and  took  a  theological  course  at  Madison  University,  New  York. 
When  tile  war  broke  out  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Tonica, 
and  a  preacher  of  eloquence  and  power.  In  the  summer  of  1862,  his 
patriotism  became  aroused  and  he  frequently  addressed  public  meet 
ings  called  to  consider  the  duty  of  the  hour.  In  August,  the  Rev. 
Randolph  enlisted  in  what  was  to  be  Company  B,  determined  to  show 
by  works  as  well  as  by  words.  He  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  and 
saw  his  first  and  last  battle  at  Hartsville.  Mortally  wounded,  he  was 
borne  from  the  field  to  a  house,  by  Mr.  A.  G.  Robinson,  of  Company  B, 
and  died  on  December  9,  1862.  Thus  fell  in  defense  of  his  country,  at 
the  early  age  of  twenty-eight,  lacking  one  day,  the  eloquent  and 
noble  Randolph,  loved  by  all,  mourned  by  all,  not  only  in  his  own 
company  and  Regiment,  but  by  the  whole  community  where  he  had 
lived  and  labored.  Who  shall  say  that  his  "Crown  of  Glory"  was 
not  made  brighter  by  the  lightning  flashes  of  battle  at  Hartsville  that 
guided  his  way  to  the  eternal  world? 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  PHILANDER  TALBOT.  Age  26;  born  in 
Portage  County,  Ohio;  enlisted  in  1861,  but  the  company  was  not 
accepted.  Enlisted  in  Company  B,  August  6,  1862;  was  appointed 
Fifth  Sergeant  and  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville;  promoted  First  Sergeant,  December  10,  1862;  was  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads.  In  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  393 

1863,  fighting  on  the  famous  "Horse  Shoe"  ridge  until  dark  of  Sep 
tember  20th.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge,  and  in  the  grand  charge  up  the  heights  was  wounded  by  a 
piece  of  shell  at  the  same  moment  as  Captain  Ross;  was  obliged  to 
go  to  hospital,  but  recovered  in  time  to  march  with  his  company  on 
the  Atlanta  campaign,  and  was  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  in  the  battles 
around  Resaca,  but  becoming  disabled  from  former  wound,  was  sent 
back  to  Chattanooga.  Again  joined  his  company  at  Atlanta  and  was 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood  until  near  Rome,  Ga.,  when  he  was  taken  sick 
and  troubled  by  the  old  wound;  was  sent  to  Chattanooga,  and  by 
order  of  General  Steedman  put  in  command  of  a  company  of  con 
valescents,  and  sent  to  guard  Bridgeport,  Ala.  In  the  meantime  had 
been  promoted  First  Lieutenant,  date  of  commission  August  24,  1864. 
He  subsequently  rejoined  the  Regiment  in  North  Carolina,  and  was 
mustered  out  June  G,  1865,  after  honorable,  faithful  and  zealous 
services  in  the  various  positions  he  had  filled.  After  the  war,  he  was 
a  deputy  clerk  in  the  County  Court  of  La  Salle  County  for  some  time, 
Is  now  a  merchant  in  South  Ottawa. 

SERGEANT  JOSEPH  D.  PORTER.  Aged  32;  born  in  Ripley, 
Brown  County,  Ohio,  a  brother  of  General  Porter;  enlisted  August  11, 
1862;  appointed  Fourth  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  and  Tennessee 
campaigns;  participated  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  early  in 
the  action  was  severely  wounded  and  told  to  go  to  the  rear.  He 
replied,  "Not  while  this  wrork  lasts."  Soon  after  the  brave  Sergeant 
was  shot  again  through  the  forehead,  expired  in  his  brother's  arms 
and  joined  the  "bivouac  of  the  dead."  "In  the  low  green  tent — whose 
curtain  never  outward  turns;"  a  noble  example  of  American  patriot 
ism,  bravery  and  sacrifice. 

SERGEANT  CROMWELL  WOODWARD.  Enlisted  August  8, 
1862,  and  was  appointed  Second  Sergeant;  was  in  the  march  through 
Kentucky  after  Bragg,  and  early  gave  an  example  of  his  "grit"  at 
Shelbyville,  where  some  rebel  slaveholders  attempted  to  drag  the 
negro  cook  of  Company  A  out  of  the  ranks.  He  broke  his  gun,  but 
saved  the  darkey.  At  Hartsville,  Sergeant  Woodward  was  among  the 
bravest  of  the  brave,  firing  rapidly  himself  and  encouraging  others, 
when  the  fatal  bullet  ended  his  life  on  the  field  of  honor. 

SERGEANT  ALBERT  C.  BASSETT.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862; 
appointed  Corporal.  Served  with  his  company  in  the  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee  campaigns  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Promoted 
Sergeant;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga;  in  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  Sergeant 
Bassett  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  In  the  latter  he  was  wounded,  but 
continued  with  his  company  and  commanded  it  August  7,  1864,  at 
Utoy  Creek.  There,  while  bravely  cheering  on  his  men,  he  fell  shot 
through  the  head,  and  as  all  believed,  by  the  hands  of  the  same  rebel 
sharpshooter  who  killed  Fitzsimmons,  Craig,  and  Graves,  on  the 
same  day  and  nearly  the  same  spot.  In  taking  command  that  morn 
ing,  he  had  relieved  Lieutenant  Linsley  of  Company  F,  who  just  then 
received  his  resignation  papers.  Sergeant  Bassett  was  a  gallant 
soldier  and  his  loss  felt  deeply  by  the  whole  Regiment. 

SERGEANT  ASA  DUNHAM.  Age  43;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Tonica  August  11,  1862;  appointed  Third  Sergeant; 
was  taken  sick  and  unable  to  be  with  the  Regiment  much  of  the 


394  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

time.  Discharged  for  disability,  December  3,  1863,  at  Chattanooga. 
Is  a  retired  farmer  in  Rutland. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  M.  CHAMBERS.  Enlisted  from  Tonica, 
August  8,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  at  Hartsville,  and  in  all  the 
battles  and  campaigns  following  that  battle;  was  wounded  at  Peach 
Tree  Creek;  was  promoted  Sergeant;  mustered  out  May  27,  1865. 

SERGEANT  ANDREW  C.  POSS.  Enlisted  from  Tonica,  August 
6,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  Brigade1  Postmaster  in  the  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee  campaign;  promoted  Sergeant;  sent  home  sick;  died  in 
hospital  at  Madison,  Ind.,  November  22,  1863. 

SERGEANT  HERMAN  L.  KINNEY.  Age  32;  born  in  New  York; 
enlisted  from  Tonica,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  wounded  slightly;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  Chickamauga.  Was 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jones- 
boro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Promoted  First  Sergeant  for 
meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SERGEANT  CHARLES  MENZ.  Enlisted  from  Tonica,  August 
11,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
on  picket  duty  when  the  battle  of  Hartsville  opened.  He  helped 
to  check  the  rebel  advance  until  line  of  battle  was  formed;  soon 
after  was  promoted  Sergeant.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign 
and  at  Elk  River,  during  which  he  contracted  chronic  rheumatism. 
Mustered  out  to  date  June  6,  1865. 

SERGEANT  GRANT  J.  ROSS.  Enlisted  from  Eden,  February 
27,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  and  Carolina  campaigns.  Transferred 
to  Forty-sixth  Illinois  Infantry. 

CORPORAL  JESSE  W.  BRYANT.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862; 
appointed  Corporal.  Discharged  for  disability  December  9,  1863. 

CORPORAL  NATHANIEL  RICHEY.  Age  20;  born  in  Eden, 
La  Salle  County,  111.:  farmer;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  appointed 
Corporal;  marched  with  the  Regiment  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  On 
the  march  from  there  to  Tompkinsville,  he  was  taken  with  typhoid 
pneumonia  and  left  in  that  town  to  die.  Was  paroled  by  the  rebels 
after  the  Regiment  left,  and  finally  recovering  so  that  he  could 
walk,  found  his  way  to  our  lines  and  subsequently  to  Camp  Douglas, 
where  he  was  discharged  for  disability,  April  28,  1863.  Lives  at 
Redlands,  Cal.  Is  a  merchant  and  banker. 

CORPORAL  SENECA  S.  GALLUP.  Age  — ;  born  in  New  York; 
teacher;  enlisted  August  9,  1862,  from  Tonica;  appointed  Corporal; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  on  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  was  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  on  the  Atlanta  campaign,  was  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kene 
saw  Mountain;  Peach  Tree  Creek;  the  siege  of  Atlanta  and  the 
engagements  at  Utoy  Creek.  Took  part  in  the  march  to  the  sea;  the 
campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  the  battle  of  Bentonville.  In  the 
latter  was  severely  wounded  and  sent  to  hospital.  Discharged  for 
wounds  at  Madison,  Ind.,  May  26,  1865.  Lives  in  Galva,  Kan. 

CORPORAL  FABIUS  E.  PHELPS.  Enlisted  from  Putnam 
County,  August  11,  1862;  promoted  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  at 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  at  Buz- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  395 

zard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  taken  prisoner.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  SEELY.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862;  ap 
pointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Transferred  to 
V  .R.  C.  September  4,  1864. 

CORPORAL  ROBERT  M.  WARNOCK.  Enlisted  August  11, 1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  promoted  Corporal;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  and 
missing  there,  known  to  have  been  severely  wounded  and  was  un 
doubtedly  killed. 

CORPORAL  HENRY  WINTERSCHEIDT.  Age  18;  born  in  Prus 
sia:  farmer;  enlisted  from  Putnam  County,  August  7,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  in  the  battle  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign,  and  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Reseca,  Kenesaw  Mountain 
and  Peach  Tree  Creek;  was  wounded  in  the  left  thigh  in  the  latter 
battle  and  sent  to  hospital  at  Nashville.  Rejoined  the  Regiment 
two  months  later;  ^promoted  Corporal;  was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
the  march  to  Sava'nnah  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Baker,  Kan.,  and  is  a  farmer. 
See  "Incidents." 

CORPORAL  EDWARD  WOOLSONCROFT.  Enlisted  August  11, 
1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  promoted  Corporal;  took  part  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  in  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Killed 
July  20,  1864,  in  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  and  a  brave  and 
faithful  soldier  was  lost  to  his  country. 

CORPORAL  FRANCIS  M.  HALL.  Age  at  enlistment,  25;  was 
born  in  Maine;  farmer;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  Chickamauga  campaign; 
and  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge;  appointed  Corporal  May  13,  1864.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign:  was  at  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  and 
the  various  engagements  there,  and  at  Utoy  Creek  and  Jonesboro. 
Was  then  furloughed  home  and  unable  to  rejoin  the  Regiment,  was 
detailed  as  clerk  at  Louisville.  Discharged  May  28,  1865.  Is  a 
merchant  at  East  Lynn,  111. 

BENJAMIN  W.  ANGELL.  Age  19;  bgrn  in  Vermilion,  La  Salle 
County;  farmer;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  sick  in  hos 
pital;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  and  in  the 
battles  around  Resaca;  taken  sick  and  sent  to  Nashville;  discharged 
for  disability  July  21,  1864.  Is  a  farmer  in  Lodemia,  Livingston 
County,  111. 

WILLIAM  J.  BARTON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  a  team 
ster  most  of  the  time  and  always  ready  for  duty.  Mustered  out 
June  6, 1865.  Lives  at  Walnut,  Junietta  County,  Pa. 

CHARLES  A.  BRADISH.  Age  21;  born  in  Hennepin,  111.; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  battles  of 


396  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  wounded 
in  the  hand  at  Hartsville,  and  in  the  shoulder  at  Chickamauga. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  near  Ransom,  La  Salle  County,  and 
is  a  farmer. 

SIDNEY  W.  BURGESS.  Age  23;  born  in  La  Salle  County,  111.; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  6,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tulla- 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain,  Mission  Ridge;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  'Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kene- 
saw  Mountain  and  that  of  Peach  Tree  Creek;  wounded  in  the  latter 
battle;  mustered  out  September  1,  1865,  at  Louisville.  Lives  in 
Tonica.  Is  a  farmer  and  engineer.  • 

GARDNER  L.  CHASE.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded  in  the  foot.  Discharged  for  dis 
ability,  April  28,  1863. 

WILLIAM  CHAMBERS.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  for  disability,  1863. 

JOSEPH  M.  CHANCE.  Enlisted  August  4,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  was  mortally  wounded  on  the  20th, 
borne  from  the  field  by  Comrades  West  and  Basset!  on  an  improvised 
stretcher  to  Rossville,  thence  to  Chattanooga,  where  the  heroic 
soldier  died  October  13,  1863. 

WILLIAM  H.  CLARK.  Age  40;  born  in  New  York;  blacksmith, 
and  followed  his  trade  while  in  service;  enlisted  August  11,  1862. 
Discharged  November  19,  1863,  for  disability.  Lives  in  Mound  City, 
Kan. 

SAMUEL  P.  CLARK.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaigns  after  Bragg,  and  in  Tennessee;  was  at  Harts 
ville,  where  he  was  mortally  wounded  and  died  in  January,  1863. 

JOSEPH  A.  CLARK.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862.  Transferred  to 
V.  R.  C. 

GILBERT  R.  CONARROE.  Age  22;  born  in  Fort  Madison,  Iowa; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and 
with  the  rest  taken  prisoner,  when  the  rebels  took  him  for  one  of 
their  deserters,  (see  narrative).  Mr.  Conarroe  was  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
During  the  siege  of  Chattanooga  he  asked  permission  of  Colonel 
Hapeman,  to  be  detailed  as  driver  in  the  provision  trains  to 
Bridgeport.  The  Colonel  said,  "No,  you  are  too  good  a  mark  to  shoot 
at."  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  of  the  Regiment  around  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  and  that  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  wounded 
July  20,  1864,  in  the  left  side  and  left  leg,  and  was  obliged  to  leave 
for  a  short  time.  Not  being  able  to  rejoin  the  Regiment,  on  arrival 
at  Nashville,  he  was  put  in  one  of  the  convalescent  companies  to  fight 
Hood  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Nashville.  He  was  also  in  the  pursuit 
after  Hood  and  in  the  action  of  Decatur,  Ala.,  where  he  and  others 
crossed  the  Tennessee  under  fire  of  the  rebel  batteries.  In  a  note 
to  the  writer  he  says:  "I  tell  you,  comrade,  I  did  some  winking  and 
blinking  on  that  occasion."  Conarroe  was  enabled  finally  to  rejoin 
his  beloved  Regiment,  hardly  one  of  whose  battles  he  had  missed, 
near  Washington.  Was  mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in 
Middletown,  Ohio.  Is  a  farmer. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  397 

FRANCIS  M.  COOK.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River;  the  battles  of 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to 
Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ALFRED  CURTIS.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  the 
Atlanta  campaign;  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

PETER  DAHL.  Enlisted  from  Piitnam  County  August  11,  1862. 
Discharged  for  disability  March  2,  1863. 

PATRICK  DELANEY.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862.  He  was  a  brave 
soldier  and  in  a  number  of  battles,  but  his  full  record  can  not  be 
had.  Last  heard  of  in  Texas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  DICKSON.  Age  25;  born  in  Denmark;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  taken  sick  and 
transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  February  11,  1864.  Mustered  out  September  2, 
1865.  Lives  at  Reading,  Lyon  County,  Kansas.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOHN  A.  EVARTS.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville. 
Discharged  for  disability  in  1863. 

FLORENCE  A.  GARRISON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862 ;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Died  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  January  2,  1863. 

JAMES  GARRISON.  Age  27;  born  in  Wyoming  County,  Pa.; 
enlisted  August  9, 1862,  from  Farm  Ridge;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville  and  severely  wounded  in  the  wrist;  discharged  for  wound  in 
1863.  Moved  to  California  and  died  there  May  23, 1894.  He  was  a  good 
man  and  brave  soldier. 

HENRY  C.  GRAVES.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville  and  wounded.  Discharged  for  disability  April  28,  1863. 
OLIVER  E.  GRIEST.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  in  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign  up  to  and  including  Resaca,  where  he  was 
wounded  May  14,  1864,  in  the  left  arm  and  had  it  amputated; 
discharged  for  wound,  March  8,  1865.  Lives  in  Kansas. 

AUGUST  GRONBECK.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  died  in  hospital 
at  Cincinnati,  of  disease,  December  3,  1862. 

ADELBERT  S.  HANNUM.  Enlisted  from  Putnam  County 
August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Killed  in  the  latter  in  the  grand  charge,  November  25, 
1863,  while  bravely  climbing  up  to  glory. 

JUSTIN  S.  HALL.  Age  22;  born  in  Maine;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  taken  sick  and 
discharged  March  15,  1863,  at  Camp  Douglas  for  disability.  Was 
brigade  Q.  M's.  clerk  at  Hartsville.  Lives  at  Urbana,  111.  Is  a 
farmer. 

WILLIAM  S.  HALL.  Age  19;  born  in  Maine;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns,  and  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Had  been  a 
musician,  but  threw  away  his  drum  at  Chickamauga,  telling  his 
commander  that  he  wanted  something  more  effective  than  a  snare 
drum;  thereafter  he  carried  a  musket.  Took  part  in  the  battles  of 


398  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy 
Creek,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  the 
campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  the  battle  of  Bentonville.  Always  with 
his  company  and  regiment.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in 
Chicago.  Is  a  bookkeeper,  holding  a  position  of  trust  in  same  firm 
for  many  years. 

PETER  HANSON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  with  the 
Regiment  as  far  as  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  Died  there  of  disease  in 
January,  1863. 

FRANCIS  HINCKLEY.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  for  disability,  April  28, 1863. 

EDWARD  P.  HULING.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862;  was  at  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  wounded 
at  Chickamauga.  Mustered  out  June  12,  1865.  Not  alive. 

EDWARD  HUTCHINSON.  Age  20;  born  in  La  Salle  County; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march"  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas,  to  Bentonville.  Was  never  absent.  Left  sick 
in  Washington.  Mustered  out  July  25,  1865.  Lives  at  Williamstown, 
Iowa.  Is  a  farmer.  .  v 

WARREN  HUTCHINSON.  Enlisted  July  6,  1862;  was  at  Harts 
ville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads.  -Killed  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
September  20,  1863,  and  body  never  recovej-ed. 

CLARK  HUTCHINSON.  Enlisted  August  6,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Taken  sick  and 
discharged  November  7,  1863;  disability.  Died  a  few  years  after 
the  war. 

JULIUS  JOHNSON.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville.  Discharged  in  January,  1863,  for  disability. 

JACOB  JOHNSON.  Age  30;  born  in  Denmark;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga  and  taken  prisoner;  sent  to  Richmond;  was  in  prison 
there  three  months;  in  Danville,  five  months;  in  Andersonville, 
ten  months.  Released  by  close  of  the  war  and  mustered  out,  same 
to  date  May  24,  1865.  Lives  at  Hennepin,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

ENOCH  C.  KELLER.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  on  detached  duty.  Mustered  out  June  2,  1865. 

MATTHIAS  KESSLER.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River.  In 
the  battles  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  After  that  detailed  to  assist  as  cook  and  present 
in  all  the  campaigns  and  battles,  an  efficient  and  brave  soldier. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  MOONSON.  Enlisted  August  11, 1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  February  11,  1864. 

JOHN  M.  MELLON.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Was  wounded  in  leg  at 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

Brentwood,  Term.,  by  bushwhackers  while  on  picket.  Took  part 
in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  was  in  the  battles  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Utoy  Creek  and  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  South  Carolina;  captured  February  26,  1865,  at  Stroud's  Mill, 
S.  C.,  and  sent  to  Richmond;  exchanged;  mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

DAVID  McCAMPBELL.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  promoted 
Fife  Major;  was  taking  care  of  the  wounded  in  the  field  hospital  at 
Crawfish  Springs  at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  made  a 
prisoner  and  sent  to  Andersonville,  where  he  died,  July  10,  1864; 
number  of  grave,  3.100.  In  him  the  Regiment  lost  a  good  man. 

NICHOLAS  McCORMICK.  Enlisted  August  7, 1862;  was  at  Harts- 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk  River;  in  the  battles  of 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  northward.  Was  with  Captain  Bill  Ross 
at  Stroud's  Mill,  S.  C.,  and  in  the  fight  was  severely  wounded  in  the 
wrist,  but  determined  to  escape,  swam  Fishing  Creek  with  one  arm, 
and  with  John  E.  Merritt  of  Company  H,  succeeded  in  rejoining  the 
Regiment  after  running  the  gantlet  of  the  rebel  cavalry.  "Nick' 
was  permanently  disabled  by  the  wound.  Absent,  wounded,  at 
muster  out  of  Regiment.  Lives  in  Utica,  111. 

JOHN  McDORMAN.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk  River;  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign,  at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga; 
wounded  in  the  latter.  Absent,  wounded,  at  muster  out  of 
Regiment. 

JAMES  R.  McCORMICK.  Enlisted  August  10,  1862;  detailed  as 
teamster;  mustered  put  June  6,  1865. 

ANDREW  MORGANSON.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign, 
that  of  the  Carolinas  and  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

DOMINICK  MONS.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  wounded  in  the  latter.  In  the  Atlanta 
and  Carolina  campaigns.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Hasper,  Iowa. 

JAMES  McNALLY.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville 
and  wounded.  Deserted  April  10,  1863. 

LOUIS  W.  NORRIS.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  At 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Killed  in  railroad  accident 
November  1,  1864. 

CHARLES  W.  NORTON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  died  of  dis 
ease  at  Columbus,  Ky.,  January  9,  1863. 

MONS  OLSEN.  Age  23;  born  in  Denmark;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  4,  1862;  at  Tonica;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign;  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  in  the  action 
at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  September  11,  1863;  in  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain,  Mission  Ridge  and  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 


400  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain;  Peach  Tree  Creek;  in  the  latter  battle  wounded 
in  the  left  side,  but  continued  with  the  Regiment;  in  the  march  to 
the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  the  battle  of  Bentonville, 
where  he  was  severely  wounded  twice  in  the  right  hip  and  right 
knee.  Absent  wounded  at  muster  out  of  Regiment.  Lives  near 
Peru,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

STEPHEN  H.  PATTERSON.  Age  21;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
farmer;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  campaign, 
the  action  at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy 
Creek,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  the  march  to  the  sea;  the 
campaign  of  the  Carolinas;  and  the  battle  of  Bentonville.  Always 
with  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Cornell, 
111.  Is  a  farmer. 

GUSTAV  PETERSON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek;  wounded  in  the 
head  in  the  latter  battle.  Was  in  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

WILLIAM  PAUL.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville. 
Discharged  for  disability  April  28,  1863. 

ANDREW  PETER.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862.  Discharged  for 
disability  April  9,  1863. 

EDWARD  PHILLIPS.  Age  17;  born  in  La  Salle  County;  farmer; 
enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  the  battles  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain,  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jontesboro;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the 
Carolinas,  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6, 1865.  Died  December  27, 
1893,  from  disease  contracted  in  service. 

JOHN  REDER.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  after  Bragg,  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  December  7, 
1862,  where  he  was  mortally  wounded  and  died  in  February,  1863,  at 
Gallatin,  Tenn. 

WILLIAM  T.  REDMAN.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  deserted  Jan 
uary  10,  1863. 

RICHARD  M.  RHEUBART.  Enlisted  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
in  the  action  at  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege 
of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the 
sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Killed  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.,  March 
19,  1865,  after  going  through  all  the  foregoing.  The  only  one  of  the 
Regiment  killed  there. 

ADRIAN  G.  ROBINSON.  Age  23;  born  in  Maine;  farmer; 
enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  action  at  Elk  River 
and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  was  detailed  as  teamster,  and  his  health 
breaking  down  was  finally  sent  to  Louisville,  where  he  was  discharged 
June  8,  1865.  Lives  in  Tonica,  111. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  401 

AUGUSTUS  ROBINSON.  Age  21;  farmer;  enlisted  August  9,  1862; 
was  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.;  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Nashville. 
Discharged  in  June,  1865. 

HENRY  U.  ROBISON.  Enlisted  August  6,  1862;  was  at  Harts- 
ville;  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  in  the  battles  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  and  Peach 
Tree  Creek;  wounded  in  the  latter  severely  in  three  places  in  the 
face.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CHRISTIAN  SCHILLING.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  afterward  detailed  as  cook  and  present  in  all  the 
campaigns.  Efficient  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  many  times  crawling 
on  his  hands  and  knees  to  the  skirmish  line,  pushing  the  kettles 
ahead  of  him  in  order  to  get  coffee  to  the  men.  They  never  forgot 
it.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

NICHOLAS  SHAWBACK.  Age  24;  born  in  Germany;  enlisted 
August  11,  1862,  from  Lowell;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  action  at  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge; 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek;  wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  in  the  latter  battle;  exchanged  September  20, 
1864;  was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  Feb 
ruary  4,  1892.  Was  a  member  of  Randolph  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Tonica. 

STEPHEN  J.  SHELTON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
in  the  action  at  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Mortally  wounded  in  the 
latter  in  the  grand  assault  on  the  enemy's  works.  Died  in  Nashville, 
June,  1864. 

NEWTON  M.  SHELTON.  Enlisted  August  9,  1864;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded,  leg  amputated;  discharged  in 
consequence. 

DAVID  J.  STANFORD.  Age  25;  born  in  Florence,  Oneida 
County,  N.  Y.;  farmer;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the 
actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  and  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga;  wounded  in  the  ankle  at  Hartsville;  discharged  De 
cember  4,  1863,  for  disability.  Lives  at  Chatsworth,  111.  Is  an  engi 
neer  and  surveyor. 

LUCIEN  STANFORD.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville^  where  he  was 
mortally  wounded;  died  February  26,  1863.  His  arm  had  been  ampu 
tated  while  in  a  rebel  hospital. 

GEORGE  STEIDINGER.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was 
killed.  December  7,  1862. 

CHARLES  W.  TULLIS.  Enlisted  August  6,  1862;  transferred  to 
V.  C.  R. 

JOHN  C.  VAIL.  Enlisted  August  7, '1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  mortally  wounded  at  Hartsville.  Died  December  9, 
1862. 

ELISHA  WALKER.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  discharged  for 
disability,  September  1,  1864. 


402  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

JOHN  E.  WALWORTH.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  discharged 
for  disability,  January,  1863. 

SAMUEL  W.  WARNOCK.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  discharged 
for  disability,  November  19,  1863. 

ROBERT  WEST.  Age  30;  born  in  England;  farmer;  was  at 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the 
actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  Creek;  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  where  on  August  7, 1864, 
he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  side  and  hip  by  a  musket  ball. 
Discharged  February  5,  1865,  for  wounds.  Lives  at  Oilman,  111.  Is  a 
farmer. 

JOSEPH  G.  WHEAT.  Enlisted  as  drummer  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  and  while  attending  to  the  wounded 
at  Chickamauga  in  the  field  hospital  at  Crawfish  Springs,  was  taken 
prisoner  with  McCampbell,  and  sent  to  the  rebel  prison  hells.  Wheat 
escaped  and  rejoining  the  Regiment  June  25,  1864,  he  beat  the  long 
roll  once  more,  threw  down  his  drum  and  took  a  musket.  Was 
thereafter  with  his  company  at  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy 
Creeks,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865, 
Lives  somewhere  west. 

HOWARD  B.  WHITE.  Enlisted  April  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  campaigns;  killed  at  Hartsville  December 
7,  1862. 

JOSHUA  WILSON.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge; 
wounded  in  the  latter  battle.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

THERON  WOOLLEY.    Age  25;    born  in  Duchess  County,  N.  Y.; 

farmer;  enlisted  from  Tonica  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 

Hartsville  and  slightly  wounded  in  the  shoulder;    in  the  Tullahoma 

!  campaign;    was  taken  sick  and  missed  Chickamauga  and  Mission 

f  Ridge;   was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 

Hope   Church,   Kenesaw   Mountain,    Peach   Tree  and   Utoy   Creeks, 

Jonesboro;    in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and 

through  the  Carolinas,  to  Bentonville.     Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

Lives  in  Chicago. 

JOHN  P.  WOOLSONCROFT.    Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  he  was  in 

;  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;   in  the  Tullahoma 

and  Chickamaug^,  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 

the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard 

Hfc         Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 

and  Utoy  Creeks;  in  the  Georgia  and  Carolina  campaigns.    A  brave 

soldier  and  an  upright  man.    Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

RECRUITS. 

BALSER  ASCHERMAN.  Age  19;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer; 
enlisted  November  25,  1863;  took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  and 
the  siege  of  Atlanta;  was  in  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  the  campaign 
through  the  Carolinas.  Was  transferred  at  Washington  to  the 
Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  403 

WILLIAM  BABCOCK.  Enlisted  February  29,  1864.  Transferred 
to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

EDWARD  BARMORE.  Enlisted  from  Peru  February  29,  1864. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Lives  in  Waukegan, 
111. 

SAMUEL  D.  BAXENDALE.  Enlisted  from  Peru  February  29, 
1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesjaoro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville,  where  he  was  wounded  March 
19,  1865.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

CHARLES  W.  CHAMBERS.  Enlisted  from  Tonica,  February 
29,  1864.  Was  accidentally  wounded  at  Graysville,  Ga.  Transferred 
to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

DAVID  D.  DECK.  Age  16;  born  in  Dauphin  County,  Pennsyl 
vania;  ran  away  from  school  to  enlist,  February  29,  1864;  was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kene 
saw,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the  Caro 
linas,  and  the  battle  of  Bentonville.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth 
Illinois  Infantry.  Discharged  July  20,  1865.  Lives  at  Hennepin,  111. 
Is  a  farmer. 

EDWIN  EVERETT.  Enlisted  February  29,  1865.  Transferred 
to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

WILLIAM  McNAULL.  Enlisted  March  3,  1865.  Transferred  to 
Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

NELSON  F.  NOXON.  Enlisted  February  29,  1864.  Died  at  Vin- 
ings'  Station,  Ga.,  July  30,  1864. 

GEORGE  M.  RISDEN.  Enlisted  February  25,  1865.  Died  at 
Chattanooga,  May  25,  1865. 

JOSEPH  B.  SULLIVAN.  Enlisted  February  25,  1865.  Trans 
ferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

MOSES  L.  TULLIS.  Enlisted  January  20,  1865.  Transferred 
to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  B. 

Total  enlistment Ill 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 17 

Wounded 30 

Resigned  for  disability 1 

Resigned  for  promotion 1 

Discharged  for  wounds 5 

Discharged  for  disability 21 

Died  of  disease 7 

Died   in  prison 1 

Accidentally  killed I 

Accidentally   wounded 1 

Deserted 2 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 27 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 7 

Transferred  to  other  regiments 11 

Transferred  to  V.   R.  C 6 

Absent,  wounded,  at  M.  0 3 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) ..34 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


Company     C— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics-. 


SKETCH  OP  COMPANY  C. 

The  work  of  raising  men  for  this  company  began 
August  9th,  1862,  in  the  towns  of  Mendota,  Earlville, 
Troy  Grove  and  Meriden.  By  the  16th  of  August  a 
sufficient  number  had  enlisted  to  form  a  company. 
Among  the  active  ones  in  the  movement  were  S.  M. 
Heslet,  M.  W.  Tewksbury  and  D.  C.  Rynearson.  It 
will  be  seen  that  no  difficulty  whatever  was  experi 
enced  in  getting  men  to  enlist.  The  wave  of  enthusi 
asm  and  patriotism  had  swept  over  that  part  of  La 
Salle  County  like  a  whirlwind,  and  more  than  enough 
to  fill  the  ranks  offered  themselves  to  their  country. 
Six  days  after  enlistment  began  the  company  was 
organized  by  the  election  of  Samuel  M.  Heslet  as  Cap 
tain,  Malcom  W.  Tewksbury  as  First  Lieutenant  and 
David  C.  Rynearson  as  Second  Lieutenant. 

Charles  K.  Brown  was  appointed  First  Sergeant, 
and  Samuel  B.  Grover,  William  Harrold,  David  Bunker 
and  Samuel  Lynn  Sergeants.  Marquis  L.  Branch, 
George  E.  Laughlin,  Luellen  W.  Winslow,  Nelson  A. 
Graves,  Robert  McSmith,  George  W.  Avery,  Thomas  E. 
Mclntyre  and  John  W.  Bullis  were  appointed  Cor 
porals. 

The  company  having  reported  at  Ottawa  became 
a  part  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  and  went  into 
camp  to  drill  and  await  marching  orders.  These  came 
soon  and  Company  C  marched  with  brother  comrades 
to  the  Ohio  River,  from  whence  began  its  active  mil 
itary  career  as  a  part  of  the  grand  armies  of  the  Union 


Lieut.  M.  W.  Tewksbury,  Co.  C. 
E.  L.  Stevens,  Co.  C. 
Capt.  S.  M.  Heslet,  Co.  C. 


Corp.J.  C.  Deegan,  Co.  G. 
Sergt.  W.  Harrold,  Co.  C. 
Corp.  H.  Winterschiedt,,Co.  B. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  405 

which  swept  from  Louisville  to  the  sea  and  from  there 
through  the  rebel  Confederacy  to  Raleigh,  only  laying 
down  its  arms  at  the  close  of  the  war.  The  history  of 
the  company  became  thus  a  part  of  the  history  of  the 
Regiment  and  was  marked  from  first  to  last  with 
death,  wounds  and  suffering  by  its  members,  in  the 
cause  of  the  Union,  of  right  and  justice.  The  company 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  after  Bragg;  inarched 
to  Bowling  Green;  then  to  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  where,  on 
December  7th,  1862,  it  first  learned  the  taste  of  rebel 
lead  and  gave  its  first  offering  of  blood  and  life  for  the 
National  cause.  On  that  bloody  field  eight  of  its  mem 
bers,  Berkstresser,  Hastings,  Sauressig,  Van  Law,  Wil 
son,  Brennan,  Zarr  and  Foot  were  killed  or  mortally 
wounded.  Twelve  were  wounded,  some  severely,  Cor 
poral  Bullis  losing  both  eyes,  a  fate  that  seems  worse 
than  death,  and  so  young,  too!  John  A.  Livers  lost  a 
good  arm.  Captain  Heslet,  wounded  in  both  thighs, 
resigned  March  llth,  1863,  and  Lieutenant  Tewksbury 
was  commissioned  Captain.  In  the  Tullahoma  cam 
paign,  after  the  engagements  at  Elk  River,  the  com 
pany  went  into  camp  at  Decherd,  Tenn.  There  Captain 
Tewksbury  resigned  on  account  of  ill-health,  and  the 
brave  Rynearson,  who  had  been  wounded  at  Hartsville, 
became  Captain.  Sergeant  Brown,  who  had  been  pro 
moted,  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant.  Promo 
tions  of  non-commissioned  officers  followed.  Thus 
newly  equipped  Company  C  followed  the  path  of  glory 
with  the  Regiment  to  the  bloody  field  of  Chickamauga. 
Squire  L.  W.  Clark  was  killed  and  four  men  wounded. 
The  company  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Isaac  A.  Foot  was  killed  and 
Sergeant  Lynn  wounded  severely.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  the  company  and  his  country  might  well 
mourn  when  Rynearson  fell  at  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Fol 
lowing  the  fortunes  of  the  Regiment,  ever  in  the  front, 
prompt  in  duty,  brave  in  battle,  Company  C  men  who 
now  survive,  can  dw^ell  with  proud  recollection  on  the 
record  of  living  and  dead,  in  the  world's  greatest  strug 
gle  for  Government  and  human  freedom. 


406  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  SAMUEL  M.  HESLET.  Age  36;  born  in  Fayette 
County,  Pennsylvania;  teacher.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  campaigns,  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
December  7,  1862,  where  he  ably  and  bravely  commanded  his  com 
pany;  was  wounded  severely  in  both  thighs  by  two  balls,  one  of 
which  he  still  carries;  resigned  on  account  of  wounds,  March  11, 
1863.  Lives  in  Mendota,  111.;  retired  from  business. 

CAPTAIN  MALCOM  W.  TEWKSBURY.  Age  27;  born  in  New 
Hampshire.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  elected  First  Lieutenant.  He 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  being 
at  that  time  detailed  as  A.  I.  General  on  the  staff  of  Colonel  A.  B. 
Moore,  commanding  the  Thirty-ninth  Brigade.  Promoted  Captain 
March  11,  1863.  In  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  the  actions  around 
Tullahoma  and  Elk  River.  Resigned  at  Decherd,  Tenn.,  July  30, 
1863.  Was  an  able  officer  and  his  loss  regretted.  Died  July  5,  1882, 
in  Lynn,  Mass. 

CAPTAIN  DAVID  C.  RYNEARSON.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove 
in  August,  1862;  farmer;  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  and  took 
part  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  December  7,  1862;  wounded  in  the 
leg;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  and  in  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  commanded  the  company,  having 
become  Captain  July  30,  1863,  on  the  resignation  of  Captain  Tewks- 
bury;  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  Captain  Rynearson  was  always 
ready  for  duty  and  commanded  his  company  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the 
battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  where  on  July  20,  1864,  he  fell  on  the  field  of 
honor — killed  by  a  bullet.  Captain  Rynearson  was  a  brave  and 
capable  officer,  highly  regarded  by  all  and  loved  by  his  company. 
Always  cool  and  collected  in  the  hour  of  battle,  he  was  regarded 
with  confidence  and  his  orders  obeyed  with  promptness. 

CAPTAIN  CHARLES  K.  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Earlville, 
August  13, 1862;  appointed  First  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  thigh. 
Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  March  11,  1863;  was  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamuaga  campaigns,  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  July  30,  1863. 
Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  He  participated  in 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Promoted  Cap 
tain  July  30,  1864.  Was  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  at  the  time  of  the  battle 
there  and  commanded  a  company  of  convalescents  and  conscripts. 
Rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  in  the  spring  of  1865. 
Mustered  out  June  -6,  1865.  Residence  said  to  be  Red  Lodge,  Mont. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  DAVID  C.  BUNKER.  Age  32;  born  in 
Ohio;  wagon  maker.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862;  ap 
pointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign,  and  wounded 
in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  in  the  abdomen.  Took  part  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  .up  to  and  including  Resaca.  In  the  engage 
ment  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  May  14,  1864,  he  was  severely 
wounded  by  a  musket  ball  and  still  carries  the  rebel  lead  in  his 
body.  Was  promoted  First  Lieutenant,  commission  dating  from 
July  20,  1864,  but  he  did  not  muster  at  that  time.  Lieutenant 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  407 

v 

Bunker  was  sent  to  hospital  from  Resaca,  and  finally  discharged  for 
wounds,  as  First  Sergeant,  June  14,  1865.  Lives  in  Lawrence,  Kan., 
and  is  superintendent  of  the  wagon  making  department  in  the  In 
dian  school  there. 

SERGEANT  SAMUEL  B.  GROVER.  Enlisted  from  Earlville, 
August  13,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts- 
ville.  Died  at  home,  January  8,  1863. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  HARROLD.  Age  24;  born  in  England; 
shoemaker;  enlisted  August  13,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  and  wounded  there.  Took 
part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  was  in 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  and  Jonesboro.  Was 
wounded  the  second  time  near  Atlanta,  August  3,  1864.  Was  in 
Nashville  at  the  time  of  the  battle  there  and  acting  Quartermaster 
of  a  battalion  of  convalescents.  Rejoined  the  Regiment  in  North 
Carolina  and  was  wounded  near  Raleigh,  April  10,  1865,  for  the  third 
time,  by  a  torpedo  planted  in  the  road  by  the  rebels,  and  was  taken 
to  Richmond  in  an  ambulance.  Mustered  out  at  Washington,  June 
6,  1865.  Lives  at  Edinburg,  111.  Is  a  police  magistrate  of  that  town. 

SERGEANT  SAMUEL  LYNN.  Age  26;  born  in  Fayette  County, 
Pennsylvania;  farmer;  enlisted  August  11,  1862,  from  Earlville;  ap 
pointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Chicka 
mauga  campaign  and  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter  was  severely  wounded,  and  dis 
charged  for  wounds,  February  23,  1864.  Lives  in  Earlville.  Is  an 
insurance  agent  and  coal  dealer. 

SERGEANT  STEPHEN  A.  SIGNOR.  Enlisted  from  Earlville, 
August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles;  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  as  First  Sergeant  June  6,  1865. 

SERGEANT  HIRAM  BECK.  Age  31;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
carpenter;  enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  wounded  in  the  left  arm  at  Harts 
ville.  Was  in  nearly  all  the  other  battles  of  the  Regiment.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  at  Narka,  Kan.  Is  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

SERGEANT  GEORGE  W.  Avery.  Enlisted  August  13,  1862;  ap 
pointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Promoted  Ser 
geant  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in 
Nebraska. 

CORPORAL  LUELLEN  W.  WINSLOW.  Enlisted  August  13,1862, 
from  Earlville;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
wounded  in  the  hand;  discharged  for  wound  December  24,  1862.  Re- 
enlisted  in  the  100-day  service;  now  lives  in  Earlville,  111. 

CORPORAL  NELSON  A.  GRAVES.  Enlisted  from  Mendota, 
August  13,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
discharged  August  22,  1863,  for  disability. 

CORPORAL   ROBERT   McSMITH.     Enlisted  from   Troy  Grove, 


408  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

August  11,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  November  23,  1863.  Lives  at  Gran- 
ville,  111. 

CORPORAL  MARQUIS  L.  BRANCH.  Enlisted  from  Mendota, 
August  13,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  discharged  for  disability,  Octo 
ber  24,  1862. 

CORPORAL  GEORGE  E.  LAUGHLIN.  Enlisted  from  Troy 
Grove,  August  11,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  discharged  for  disability 
March  7,  1863. 

CORPORAL  THOMAS  E.  McINTYRE.  Enlisted  from  Earlville, 
August  13,  1862;  was  with  the  Regiment  as  far  as  Tompkinsville, 
Ky.;  taken  sick  and  left  there.  Died  December  8,  1862. 

CORPORAL  JOHN  W.  BULLIS.  Age  21;  born  in  New  York; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville  and  there  lost  both  eyes.  Discharged  January  14,  1863, 
for  wounds.  Lives  at  Iowa  Palls,  la.  Dr.  Freeman,  who  attended 
him  on  the  field,  says  that  the  brave  soldier  requested  him  to  "see 
to  others  who  were  worse  off." 

CORPORAL  JAMES  LOGAN.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August 
14,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  At 
lanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain. 
Killed  there  June  17,  1864.  A  brave  soldier  fell. 

CORPORAL  EDWARD  MUNSON.  Enlisted  August  13,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville;  promoted  Corporal;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek.  In 
the  latter  Corporal  Munson  was  killed.  He  had  the  name  of  being 
the  best  drilled  soldier  in  the  company  and.  was  on  the  eve  of  being 
commissioned  in  the  colored  troops  when  he  met  his  death  at  Peach 
Tree  Creek. 

CORPORAL  DEMARQUIS  L.  MITCHELL.  Age  20;  born  in 
Augusta,  Me.  First  served  in  Twenty-third  Illinois  Volunteers,  and 
was  captured  at  Lexington,  Mo.;  enlisted  from  Meriden,  August  20, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  took  part  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Was  wounded 
in  the  head  in  the  latter  battle  and  sent  to  Chattanooga.  Mean 
time,  Sherman  had  started  for  the  sea  and  Corporal  Mitchell  in  the 
spring  of  1865,  was  ordered  to  join  the  Regiment,  which  he  did  at 
Goldsboro.  When  the  Atlanta  campaign  opened  he  was  recom 
mended  for  a  commission  in  the  United  States  Colored  Troops  and 
when  near  Kenesaw  was  ordered  to  Washington,  but  did  not  accept. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Columbus,  Kan.  Is  Deputy 
Sheriff  of  Cherokee  County. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  G.  RALPH.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862, 
from  Mendota;  was  at  Hartsville,  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Appointed  Corporal;  took 
part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign;  was  at  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain 
and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Wounded  in  the  latter  battle,  in  the  right 
arm.  Absent  wounded  at  muster  out  of  Regiment.  Lives  at 
Aurora,  111. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  409 

CHARLES  P.  AVERY.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

LEVI  BROWN.  Age  40;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  blacksmith;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Taken  sick  and 
discharged  for  disability,  August  1,  1863;  wounded  slightly  at  Harts 
ville.  Lives  in  Waterloo,  la.,  at  the  age  of  72. 

SAMUEL  BANKS.  Age  17;  born  in  Pennsylvania.  Enlisted 
August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  slightly  wounded 
there.  Took  part  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  During  the  siege  of  Chattanooga,  drove  team  to 
Stevenson,  Ala.,  and  was  present  when  Wheeler's  cavalry  attacked 
the  supply  train  in  the  Sequatchie  Valley.  He  escaped  with  his 
team;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  at  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks.  Mustered  out  August  17,  1865. 
Lives  in  Beloit,  Kan.  Stone  mason  contractor. 

HENRY  D.  BANKS.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  13, 
1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge, 
and  in  part  of  the  Atlanta  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JONATHAN  BANKS.  Age  18;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of 
Hartsville  and  Mission  Ridge.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Troy  Grove,  111.  Is  an  engineer. 

DAVID  C.  BALLARD.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  Hartsville.  Was  company 
cook  during  the  service.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SOLOMON  W.  BUNKER.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13, 
1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  wounded 
in  his  right  hand.  He  was  the  oldest  man  in  the  company,  but  clear 
grit  all  through.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

DAVID  BERKSTRESSER.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  14, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  killed  December  7,  1862. 

CLARENCE  BRENNAN.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  mortally  wounded,  and  died  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  December 
20,  1862. 

SQUIRE  L.  W.  CLARK.  Enlisted  from  Dimmick,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was 
killed  September  20,  1863. 

ALMON  L.  COOK.  Age  20;  born  in  Maine;  blacksmith;  enlisted 
from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of  Hartsville, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the 
siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  the 
march  to  the  sea;  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas  and  Bentonville. 
Was  wounded  in  the  foot  at  Savannah,  Ga.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  in  Barnston,  Neb.  Is  Postmaster. 

LEMUEL  L.  CADY.  Age  19;  born  in  Tioga  County,  Pa.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken- 


410  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  part  of  the  Tullahoma 
campaign.  Transferred  to  I,  C.,  November  25,  1863.  Died  at 
Williams,  la.,  April  15,  1891. 

GEORGE  CADY.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13,  1862. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SAMUEL  H.  CARR.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  died  at  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  January 
17,  1863. 

WINTHROP  E.  COLLINS.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability  January  4,  1863. 

JOHN  A.  COOK.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain. 
In  front  of  the  latter,  June  17,  1864,  he  was  mortally  wounded  sent 
to  Nashville,  and  died  July  19,  1864. 

ROBERT  C.  DOANE.  Age  22;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  August  13,  1862,  from  Earlville;  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville.  Took  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sion  Ridge,  was  at  Buzzard  Roost.  Discharged  for  disability,  January 
14,  1864.  Lives  at  Plainfield,  111. 

SAMUEL  J.  DOANE.  Enlisted  August  13,  1862,  from  Earlville; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  the 
battles  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree 
Creek;  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  where  on  August  7,  1864, 
he  was  severely  wounded  and  absent  wounded  at  muster  out  of 
Regiment. 

JOHN  W.  DAVIS.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  20,  1862;  was 
at  Hartsville,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege 
of  Atlanta,  and  Utoy  Creek,  where  on  August  7,  1864,  he  was  wounded 
in  the  shoulder.  Mustered  out  June  7,  1865. 

SAMUEL  W.  EDWARDS.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August 
11,  1862;  was  a  member  of  the  Regimental  Band,  and  on  its  disband- 
ment  was  detailed  and  in  the  Brigade  Band  during  the  war.  Absent 
sick  at  muster  out  of  Regiment.  Is  said  to  reside  in  Kansas. 

WILLIAM  EDWARDS.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  14, 
1862;  member  of  Regimental  and  Brigade  Bands.  Absent  sick  at 
muster  out  of  Regiment.  Lives  somewhere  in  Kansas. 

FREDERICK  FOOT.  Enlisted  from  Freedom,  August  14,  1862; 
he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  mortally  wounded.  Died  February  10,  1863. 

ISAAC  A.  FOOT.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  14,  1862;  was 
at  Hartsville,  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter 
he  was  killed  in  the  assault,  November  25,  1863. 

FREDERICK  L.  GLOVER.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  mustered 
out  June  6,  1865. 

HAMILTON  GOLDEN.  Enlisted  August  20,  1862.  Died  at  Gal- 
latin,  Tenn.,  January  7,  1863. 

DUANE  M.  HARRIS.  Enlisted  from  Eagle,  August  15,  1862. 
Died  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  November  21,  1862. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  411 

THOMAS  HASTINGS.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Killed  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
December  7,  1862. 

FREDERICK  C.  HESS.  Age  24;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Troy  Grove,  August  9,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga. 
Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  at  Grundy 
Center,  la. 

ALBERT  HARRIS.  Age  24;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  August  22,  1862;  was  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign  at  Davis 
Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge;  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy 
Creek,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  the  sea; 
the  Carolina  campaign  and  Bentonville;  slightly  wounded  in  the 
latter  battle.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Emington,  111. 
Is  a  retired  farmer. 

JAMES  R.  HOFFMAN.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  I.  C.,  November 
25,  1863. 

HERMAN  HOFFMAN.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  11, 1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  March  7, 1865;  disability. 

JOSIAH  HARDING.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability  Decem 
ber  11,  1863. 

JOHN  A.  IVES.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  August  26,  1863;  dis 
ability. 

BENJAMIN  JACK.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  12,  1862. 
Discharged  October  2,  1862;  disability. 

JAMES  M.  JACK.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  12,  1862; 
deserted  March  15,  1863. 

CHARLES  H.  JEWETT.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13, 
1862;  was  wounded  seriously  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  dis 
charged  for  wounds,  May  24,  1863. 

JAMES  A.  KERSEY.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  13, 
1862;  wounded  at  Hartsville  and  discharged  for  wounds,  December 
24,  1862. 

ROMAN  KNAPP.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11,  1862; 
discharged  for  disability,  January  5,  1863. 

JAMES  KNOX.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  15,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  » 

JOSEPH  LEWIS.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11,  1862; 
became  Bugler;  was  at  Hartsville,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  On  the  Atlanta  campaign; 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  the  campaign  of  the 
Carolinas.  No  man  was  better  known,  nor  so  well  known,  in  the 
Regiment,  as  "Joe."  When  he  blew  his  bugle  all  knew  the  sound 
and  that  it  meant  business.  Mustered  out  June  6, 1865.  Lives  at  Troy 
Grove. 

JAMES  H.  LOUCKS.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862; 
deserted  before  muster  in. 

ADDIS  LINN.     Enlisted  from  Dimmick,  August,  11,  1S62;  was 


412  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  died  at  Camp  Lew  Wallace,  Ohio,  Decem 
ber  23,  1862. 

EDWARD  P.  LYON.  Age  24;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en-, 
listed  August  11,  1862,  from  Mendota;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro; 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the 
Carolinas,  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Wil 
liams,  la.  Is  a  retired  farmer. 

CLEMENT  LUELLEN.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability, 
March  7,  1863. 

JOHN  A.  LIVERS.  Age  24;  clerk;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was 
seriously  wounded,  causing  loss  of  the  left  arm.  Discharged  for 
wound,  January  27,  1863.  Lives  at  Ionia,  Kan.  Retired  farmer. 

GEORGE  C.  MOFPATT.  Age  32;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  9,  1862;  marched  with  the  Regiment 
to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  taken  sick  with  lung  trouble,  and  discharged 
January  20, 1863.  Lives  at  Armstrong,  Neb.  Is  a  farmer. 

THOMAS  H.  MARKLEY.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  14, 
1862;  was  at  Hartsville,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign;  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas.  Was  in  the  battle  of  Ben 
tonville,  where  he  was  wounded  March  19,  1865.  Absent  wounded  at 
muster  out  of  Regiment. 

JAMES  C.  M'DOWELL.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  at 
Jonesboro,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to 
Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  near  Mendota,  111. 

JERRY  M.  PORTERFIELD.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August 
11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  July  20,  1863; 
disability. 

JAMES  W.  POMEROY.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  Chickamauga,  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  wounded  and  never  seen  again;  supposed 
killed. 

ISAAC  POLLENS.  Enlisted  August  13,  1862;  nothing  further 
known.  « 

JAMES  N.  POOL.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battlei  of  Hartsville.  Died  in  Chicago, 
March  24,  1863. 

WASHINGTON  G.  PARKER.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August 
11,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek. 
Killed  in  the  latter  battle,  July  20, 1864.  He  was  noted  for  having  the 
brightest  gun  in  the  company 

HENRY  PIGNEY.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  15,  1862; 
deserted  December  25,  1862. 

JACOB  PHILLIPS.  Age  17;  born  in  Stark  County,  Ohio;  farmer; 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  413 

enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  in  a  part  of  the  Tulla- 
homa  campaign;  taken  sick  and  discharged  for  disability,  September 
17,  1863.  Lives  at  Clay  Center,  Kan. 

WILLIAM  PETERS.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  B.  RALPH.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January 
27,  186%. 

GEORGE  RANSBERGER.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August 
20,  1862.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Troy  Grove,  III. 

JOHN  G.  REEDER.  Age  21;  born  in  La  Salle  County;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  wounded  in  the  last 
named  battle  in  the  right  side.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  March  15, 
1865.  Lives  at  Marshalltown,  la.;  contractor. 

AMBROSE  RISDON.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability,  January 
2,  1863. 

WILLIAM  H.  RHODES.  Enlisted  from  Mendota,  August  13, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability, 
July  20,  1863. 

EDGAR  L.  STEVENS.  Age  19;  born  in  Seneca  County,  N. 
Y.;  farmer;  enlisted  August  13,  1862,  from  Earlville.  Marched  with 
the  Regiment  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  to  Tompkinsville,  Ky., 
and  was  left  there  very  sick;  recovered  after  several  months  and 
escaped  to  our  lines;  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Camp  Douglas;  was 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  the  actions  at  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Bu^ard  Roost,  Resaca. 
the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege 
of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  furloughed  home;  returned 
to  Nashville,  took  p^rt  in  the  battle  of  Nashville  and  the  action  at 
Decatur;  after  that  guarded  railroads  until  sent  in  spring  of  1865, 
with  others,  to  North  Carolina;  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Goldsboro. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Woolstock,  la.  Is  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

PETER  J.  SAURESSIG.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862,  from  Mendota; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Killed  at  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  Decem 
ber  7,  1862. 

DALLAS  SMILEY.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862.  Deserted  January 
1,  1863. 

ALEXANDER  A.  SHERLOCK.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  Au 
gust  15,  1862.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  27,  1864. 

OSCAR  SAYLES.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  severly  wounded  there.  Re 
covered  and  rejoined  the  Regiment;  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign. 
Died  at  Chattanooga,  October  26,  1863. 

WILLIAM  VAN  LAW.  Enlisted  from  Mendota.,  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  mortally  wounded  and  died  the  same  day,  December  7,  1862. 

JAMES  E.  WILKINS.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  13, 
1862;  was  teamster  and  served  faithfully  during  the  entire  term. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Troy  Grove,  111. 


414  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

WILLIAM  S.  WINSLOW.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  campaign 
he  was  wounded  in  the  left  hand  at  Elk  River.  Took  part  in  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles;  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  northwards.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Earlville,  111. 

GEORGE  WHITE.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  13,  1862; 
discharged  for  disability  October  2,  1862. 

JAMES  H.  WILSON.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  killed  December  7,  1862. 

CHAUNCEY  J.  WIXOM.  Age  23;  born  at  Troy  Grove,  La  Salle 
County;  farmer;  enlisted  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Wounded  near  Bridgeport,  Ala.,  while  with  wagon, 
train.  Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps,  January  30,  1864.  Lives  at  Clay 
Center,  Kan. 

FRANCIS  ZARR.  Enlisted  from  Earlville,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  march  through  Kentucky  and  Tennessee.  Killed  at  Harts 
ville,  December  7,  1862. 

RECRUITS. 

WILLIAM  T.  BULLIS.  Age  23;  born  in  New  York;  enlisted 
December  14,  1863,  at  Dixon.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roose,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain.  In 
the  battle  of  Nashville.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  In 
fantry.  Lives  in  Valentine,  Neb.  Is  City  Marshal. 

ABRAM  D.  CLARK.  Enlisted  April  10,  1863;  was  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns.  Was  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863;  escaped 
afterwards  and  came  into  our  lines.  Discharged  for  wounds  April 
21,  1864.  « 

JOHN  L.  WARNER.  Enlisted  August  27,  1864;  he  was  at  Jones- 
boro,  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Streator,  111. 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  C. 

Total  enlistment 98 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 16 

Wounded   28 

Resigned  for  wounds 1 

Discharged  for  wounds 8 

Resigned  for  disability 1 

Discharged  for  disability 18 

Died  of  disease 8 

Deserted 4 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 26 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 2 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C 4 

Transferred  to  I.   C 3 

Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry 1 

Absent,  wounded,  at  M.  O 3 

Absent,  sick,  at  M.  0 2 

Unknown  1 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 35 


Capt.  Thos.  Clark,  Co  D 
Sergt.  H.  E.  Price.  Co.  D 
Capt.  W.  H  Collins,  Co.  D 


Corp.  0.  Slagle.Co.  D. 
Sergt   Geo.  Marsh.  Co.  D. 
Sergt.  M.  Kirkpatrick,  Co.  D 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


» 

Company     D— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and   Biogra 
phies—Statistics. 

SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  D. 

When  in  the  summer  of  1862  the  proclamation  of 
President  Lincoln  was  issued  calling  for  600,000  more 
men,  and  La  Salle  County  determined  to  raise  another 
regiment,  William  H.  Collins,  then  a  prominent  resi 
dent  of  La  Salle,  began  recruiting  for  what  became 
Company  D.    The  ranks  were  filled  in  a  short  time,  or 
between  the  5th  and  15th  of  August,  with  some  of  the 
best  material  in  the  county,  the  townships  south  of 
the  Illinois  River  furnishing  a  large  percentage.    The 
organization  was  then  effected.     William  H.  Collins, 
who  had  seen  service  in  the  Tenth  Illinois  Infantry, 
was  elected  Captain,  William  E.  Brush  First  Lieuten 
ant,  James  Snedaker  Second  Lieutenant.    The  follow 
ing  were  announced  as    Sergeants:      Thomas    Clark, 
Zenas  R.  Jones,  William  P.  Miller,  William  Bassin- 
dale.     Henry  Upton,  John  H.  Shepherd,    Thomas    G. 
Steven,  John  T.  Post,  William    C.    Brown,    Sherman 
Leland,  Luther  A.  Wilson,  Henry  Morgan  and  Cyrus 
H.  Makeever  were  appointed  Corporals.    Thus  equipped 
with  officers  the  company  reported  at  Ottawa  and  went 
into  camp  as  part  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth, 
receiving  the  designation  of  "D."     After  a  few  days 
spent  at  Camp  Wallace  the  Regiment  was  ordered  to 
Louisville  and  the  company  thereafter  participated  in 
all  the  fortunes  of  the  command,  marching  through 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  to  Hartsville,  where,  on  De 
cember  7th,  1862,  aipart  of  it  was  called  upon  to  defend 
the  flag  and  offer  up  valuable  lives  and  blood  in  the 
cause  of  country.     Going  into  the  battle  with  about 
forty  men,  the  rest  being  on  detached  duty,  Company 
D  lost  in  killed  Corporal  Thomas  G.  Steven,  Abram  H. 


416  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Austin  and  Joseph  L.  Sapp.  Ten  were  wounded.  The 
little  band  under  the  command  of  Sergeant  Zenas  R. 
Jones,  covered  itself  with  glory.  In  the  famous  ad 
vance  to  Tullahoma  in  June,  '63,  the  company,  under 
Captain  Collins,  added  again  to  its  fighting  record  by 
the  capture  of  the  rebel  stockade  at  Elk  River,  by  Ser 
geant  George  Marsh  and  his  volunteers  from  the  com 
pany.  Prior  to  this  Lieutenant  Brush  had  died  and 
Lieutenant  Snedaker  had  resigned.  Sergeants  Clark 
and  Jones  had  been  promoted  Lieutenants.  At  Chick- 
amauga  Company  D  fought  with  bravery  equal  to  any. 
An  enumeration  of  its  services  thereafter  would  include 
every  battlefield  in  which  the  Regiment  fought — from 
Chattanooga  to  Atlanta,  to  the  sea  and  Bentonville; 
in  all  of  wThich  the  company  distinguished  itself  and 
gave  its  share  of  blood  and  lives.  When  mustered  out 
at  Washington  in  '65  the  shattered  ranks  told  the  story 
of  its  achievements  and  services  by  the  absence  of  those 
w^ho  had  fallen  by  the  way  or  lay  crippled  and  diseased 
in  northern  homes. 

ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  H.  COLLINS.  Age  31;  born  at  Collins- 
ville,  111.;  journalist;  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  at  La  Salle,  and  be 
came  actively  engaged  in  raising  men  for  a  company.  On  its  or 
ganization  he  was  elected  Captain.  In  the  election  for  Regimental  offi 
cers,  was  elected  Lieutenant-Colonel,  but  Colonel  Moore  refused  to  ac 
quiesce  in  the  choice,  so  Captain  Collins  went  out  with  his  company 
to  the  front.  Under  him  Company  D  became  well  drilled  and  dis 
ciplined,  and  prepared  for  the  future  hard  services  it  encountered 
on  many  battlefields,  always  with  honor  to  itself  and  officers.  Cap 
tain  Collins  led  his  company  in  the  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  cam 
paigns  to  Hartsville.  While  there  he  was  detailed  with  twenty- 
five  of  his  men  to  guard  a  supply  train  to  Gallatin  and  was  thus 
unable  to  participate  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  He  commanded 
on  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  and  in  the  affair  at  Elk  River.  Took 
part  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  September  11,  1863;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  When  General  Palmer  became  com-- 
mander  of  the  Fourteenth  Army  Corps,  Captain  Collins  was  detailed 
to  command  the  entire  Ambulance  Corps,  and  remained  in  that 
position  through  the  Atlanta  campaign.  He  resigned  November  11, 
1864,  and  was  appointed  Provost  Marshal  of  the  Twelfth  District 
of  Illinois,  resignation  to  take  effect  December  31,  1865.  After  the 
war,  Captain  Collins  engaged  successfully  in  business  in  Quincy, 
111.,  but  could  not  avoid  taking  an  occasional  hand  in  politics;  was 
elected  to  the  Legislature.  As  a  public  speaker  and  orator,  Captain 
Collins  was  able  and  impressive,  a  fact  well  remembered  by  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  417 

Regiment  during  the  war,  and  by  his  friends  and  political  opponents 
since.  Is  now  enjoying  the  twilight  of  his  days  in  peace  and  com 
fort  at  Quincy,  but  does  not  cease  to  take  an  interest  in  public 
affairs,  and  stands  very  high  in  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens, 

CAPTAIN  THOMAS  CLARK.  Age  24;  born  near  Quebec, 
Canada.  Was  in  the  three  months'  service  in  1861;  came  to  La  Salle 
and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  carriages.  Enlisted  August 
4,  1862;  was  appointed  First  Sergeant;  took  part  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant, 
December  31,  1862;  First  Lieuteneant,  April  13,  1863.  Participated  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  Lieutenant  Clark,  in 
command  of  his  Company,  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky 
Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church;  the  battles 
around  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  In  the  latter 
battle,  Lieutenant  Clark  was  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  and 
permanently  disabled.  Was  commissioned  Captain,  November  10,. 
1864,  but  not  mustered.  Discharged  for  wounds,  May  15,  1865.  Cap 
tain  Clark  was  a  brave  soldier  and  capable  officer,  and  highly  re 
garded  by  all.  After  the  war,  he  lived  at  La  Salle  and  Ottawa;  was 
Deputy  Sheriff  two  terms  under  R.  C.  Stevens;  Sheriff,  one  term. 
Captain  Clark  died  January  23,  1883,  his  death  being  hastened  by 
his  army  service. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  E.  BRUSH.  Enlisted  in  Au 
gust,  1862;  elected  First  Lieutenant;  was  with  his  company  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign;  at  the  time  of  the  Hartsville  battle,  was  sick  in. 
the  hospital.  Taken  sick  in  Camp  Douglas,  and  died  in  Chicago,. 
April  13,  1863. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  T.  POST.  Age  35;  born  in  Yates. 
County,  N.  Y.;  farmer;  enlisted  August  15,  1862,  from  Grand  Rapids. 
Was  appointed  Third  Corporal; became  by  promotion, Third  and  First 
Sergeant,  and  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant,  November  10, 
1864,  but  not  mustered.  Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  in 
the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach; 
Tree  Creek.  Wounded  in  the  latter  battle.  Was  also  at  Bentonville. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Alhambra,  Cal.  Retired  from 
business. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JAMES  SNEDAKER.  Enlisted  in 
August,  1862;  elected  Second  Lieutenant;  commissioned  August  27;: 
resigned  December  31,  1862.  Died  some  years  ago. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  ZENAS  R.  JONES.  Age  31;  born  in 
Ohio;  minister  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church;  enlisted  from 
Grand  Rapids,  August  4,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  commanded  his  company  at  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  all  the  commissioned  officers  being  sick  or  absent.  Com 
missioned  Second  Lieutenant  April  13,  1863;  resigned  January  9, 
1864.  Lives  at  Smithdale,  111.  In  the  grain  business. 

FIRST  SERGEANT  GEORGE  MARSH,  JR.  Age  25;  born  in 
Brookfield,  La  Salle  County,  111.;  enlisted  as  private,  August  12,. 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  promoted  Sergeant  for  meritori 
ous  services;  he  was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  at  Elk  Rivera 


418  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Term.,  commanded  the  "forlorn  hope"  of  ten  volunteers  sent  to  cap 
ture  the  rebel  stockade  there.  This  was  gallantly  done  under  a  fire 
of  rebel  artillery  and  sharpshooters  and  the  command  received  the 
personal  thanks  of  General  Beatty  on  the  field.  He  participated  in 
the  critical  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  was  in  the  great  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  was  severely 
wounded  at  Chickamauga  on  September  20th,  but  recovered  in  time 
to  participate  in  the  battles  mentioned  on  November  24  and  25,  1863. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky 
Face,  and  in  the  battles  of  May  13  and  14,  1864,  at  Resaca.  Was 
severely  wounded  on  the  latter  date  and  discharged  September  22, 
1864,  on  account  of  wounds.  Since  the  war  has  lived  in  Washington, 
D.  C.,  and  has  had  a  position  in  the  War  Department  continuously. 
He  is  an  authority  much  consulted  by  high  officials.  See  note  in  this 
volume. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  P.  MILLER.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield, 
August  12,  1864;  transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  BASSINDALE.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle, 
August  4,  1862;  reduced  to  the  ranks  at  his  own  request;  was  at 
Hartsville;  discharged  for  disability,  April  21,  1863.  Died  some 
years  ago. 

SERGEANT  HENRY  UPTON.  Born  in  Batavia,  N.  Y.;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign;  sick  in  hospital  at  Hartsville;  discharged  February  20, 
1863,  for  promotion  to  a  Lieutenancy  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Twenty-first  New  York  Infantry.  Was  severely  wounded  in  the 
battle  of  Chancellorsville,  and  died  from  the  effect  July  29,  1887. 
A  remarkable  mathematician  and  brave  soldier. 

SERGEANT  HENRY  E.  PRICE.  Age  25;  born  in  Chillicothe, 
Ohio,  and  came  to  Illinois  when  young.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  Au 
gust  12,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  by  a  buckshot  in  the  right  thigh. 
While  he  and  R.  J.  Gage  lay  wounded  on  the  field  in  the  snow,  a 
young  Confederate  officer  approaching  said  pleasantly:  "Boys,  I 
am  sorry  for  you."  Henry  replied:  "If  you  are  sorry  for  us  get  some 
water."  The  officer  said:  "I  will."  And  going  to  a  brook  filled  his 
cedar  canteen  and  brought  it  to  them.  He  then  took  a  blanket  from 
an  unhurt  soldier  and  spread  it  over  them.  On  his  recovery,  Price 
reported  at  Camp  Douglas  and  was  appointed  Sergeant  for  merito 
rious  conduct  and  bravery.  Going  with  the  Regiment  to  the  front  in 
April,  he  was  stricken  with  fever  while  at  Brentwood,  Tenn.,  and 
for  four  months  his  life  hung  in  the  balance.  At  last  he  recovered 
and  again  joined  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  October  12,  1863,  at 
Chattanooga,  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  The  noble  spirit  of  the  man  is  shown  in  a 
letter  he  wrote  home  November  3,  1863.  "If  I  live  to  serve  out  my 
time,  money  would  not  buy  my  right  to  say  that  I  had  served  my 
country  honorably,  and  if  I  do  not  live,  the  right  belongs  to  our 
family.  I  can  honestly  say,  I  have  never  yet  been  sorry  I  enlisted." 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  Sergeant  Price  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost — of  Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church 
and  Kenesaw  Mountain.  At  the  latter  place  he  was  so  severely 
bruised  by  a  spent  ball  on  July  2,  1864,  as  to  be  obliged  to  go  to 
hospital  at  Chattanooga,  but  on  the  19th,  he  was  again  with  the 
Regiment,  all  unconscious  that  on  the  morrow  his  spirit  would  join 


B.  Schaub,  Co.  D. 

Corp.  C.  H.  Makeever,  Co.  D. 

Grover  C.  Clark,  Co.  D. 


R.  J.  Gage,  Co.  D. 
Corp.  J.  J.  Ford,  Co.  D. 
R.  S.  Smalley,  Co.  D. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  419 

the  immortal  host  of  heroes  and  patriots  who  had  died  for  their 
country.  On  July  20,  1864,  he  wrote  in  his  diary  these  last  words: 
"At  3  o'clock  a.  m.,  moved  again  and  crossed  creek.  Advancing  in 
line  of  battle  under  fire.  Halted  and  built  breastworks  until  or 
dered  to  quit."  A  little  later  he  fell  in  the  fierce  attack  at  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  his  right  thigh  and  right  arm  being  shattered  by  bullets. 
In  an  hour  his  sufferings  were  ended,  as  also  those  of  many  others 
on  that  bloody  field.  Colonel  Hapeman  says:  "He  was  a  brave  and 
gallant  soldier."  Captain  Collins  wrote:  "We  all  loved  Henry,  he 
was  a  model  soldier,  superior  in  natural  talents  and  acquirements 
to  many  field  officers."  The  loss  fell  with  great  weight  on  his 
parents,  who 'mourned  another  son,  Lieutenant  William  D.  Price, 
killed  in  the  battle  of  the  Big  Hatchie,  Miss. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  H.  H.  HUTTON.  Age  24;  first  enlisted 
in  Company  K,  Twentieth  Illinois  Infantry,  June  17,  1861;  fought  in 
the  battle  of  Fredericktown,  Mo.,  October  21,  1861;  was  also  in  the 
battles  of  Fort  Henry,  Fort  Donelson,  Shiloh,  and  the  siege  of 
Corinth.  Discharged  August  28,  1862.  Enlisted  in  Company  D, 
September  2,  1862.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  was 
in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter  was  Color 
Sergeant  and  while  bearing  the  flag  up  the  ridge  was  wounded  and 
relieved  by  Lemuel  F.  Holland.  Discharged  March,  1865,  by  order  of 
Secretary  of  War,  and  appointed  Hospital  Steward  in  United  States 
Army.  Is  now  a  Surgeon  in  the  United  States  Marine  Hospital 
Service,  and  has  attained  high  position  as  such,  holding  the  rank  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel. 

SERGEANT  MURRAY  KIRKPATRICK.  Age  37;  born  in  Ohio. 
Enlisted  from  Eagle,  August  5,  1862;  took  part  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  was  one  of  the  ten  volunteers 
who  captured  the  stockade  at  Elk  River;  in  the  Chickamauga  cam 
paign;  at  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  promoted  Corporal  and 
Sergeant  for  meritorious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at 
Buzzard  Roost — of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  and 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  the  sea; 
through  the  Carolinas,  and  at  Bentonville.  Murray,  it  will  be  seen, 
was  always  around  and  ready  for  business.  He  was  an  expert 
marksman  and  brave  soldier.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  at  his 
home,  Swanington,  Ind.,  July  30,  1894. 

SERGEANT  LEMUEL  F.  HOLLAND.  Age  20;  born  in  Green 
County,  Ohio;  engineer;  enlisted  August  4,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  one  of  the  ten  volun 
teers  to  storm  the  rebel  stockade  at  Elk  River;  took  part  in  the 
Chickamauga  campaign  and  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  latter,  when  Sergeant  Hutton  fell  wounded,  Corporal  Holland 
seized  the  flag  and  carried  it  triumphantly  to  thertop  of  the  ridge,  the 
boys  rallying  around  it  and  singing:  "Rally  Round  the  Flag."  For 
meritorious  services  was  promoted  Sergeant.  Took  part  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face;  the  battles 
around  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege 
of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  The 


420  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

record  is  a  long  one  and  speaks  for  itself  of  the  eminent  services  of 
Sergeant  Holland  in  the  cause  of  the  Union.  Mustered  out  June  6,. 
1865.  Lives  at  Bement,  111. 

SERGEANT  SHERMAN  LELAND.  Age  19;  born  in  Ogle  County, 
111.;  a  son  of  Hon.  Edwin  S.  Leland,  of  Ottawa,  who  was  a  warm 
and  true  friend  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  Enlisted  August 
7,  1862;  law  student;  appointed  Corporal;  detailed  as  clerk  to  the 
Adjutant,  a  position  he  held  during  his  entire  term  of  service,  to  the 
satisfaction  of  all;  was  always  with  the  Regiment  except  on  occasion 
of  sickness  or  detail  elsewhere.  His  valuable  journal  has  added 
greatly  to  the  history  of  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out  as  Sergeant, 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Ottawa.  In  the  abstract  and  insurance  busi 
ness. 

CORPORAL  JOHN  H.  SHEPHERD.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862, 
from  La  Salle;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign. 
Discharged  and  promoted  April  20,  1863,  to  a  Lieutenancy  in  the 
Ninth  Kentucky  Infantry.  Subsequently  became  Captain.  Was 
wounded  in  the  service.  After  the  war  practiced  law  at  Ottawa  and 
was  County  Treasurer  one  term.  Died  some  years  ago. 

CORPORAL  THOMAS  G.  STEVEN.  Enlisted  from  Allen  August 
13,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign,  and 
killed  at  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  December  7,  1862;  he  was  a  brave  soldier 
and  good  man. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  C.  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa  Au 
gust  4,  but  rejected  for  disability. 

CORPORAL  LUTHER  A.  WILSON.  Age  26;  clerk;  enlisted 
August  10,  1862,  from  La  Salle;  appointed  Corporal;  was  detailed 
in  Commissary  Department  at  Louisville  and  not  with  Regiment 
very  long.  Discharged  and  promoted  Lieutenant  in  Battery  D,  First 
Tennessee  Light  Artillery,  in  August,  1864.  Was  in  the  battle  of 
Nashville.  Lives  at  Furley,  Kan.  Is  a  farmer. 

CORPORAL  HENRY  MORGAN.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  Au 
gust  5,  1862.  Dicharged  for  disability  February  5,  1863. 

CORPORAL  CYRUS  H.  MAKEEVER.  Age  21;  railroad  employee; 
enlisted  from  Marseilles,  August  4,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in 
the  march  through  Kentucky  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Dis 
charged  for  disability  at  Nashville,  August  28,  1863.  Had  also  served 
in  Tenth  Illinois.  Lives  at  Marseilles,  111. 

CORPORAL  THOMAS  BURNHAM.  Enlisted  from  Waltham, 
August  5,  1862.  Was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  promoted  Corporal; 
was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River 
and  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Cfeek.  In  the  latter  Cor 
poral  Burnham  was  killed,  July  20,  1864. 

CORPORAL  JOHN  J.  FORD.  Age  18;  born  in  Dayton,  La  Salle 
County;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Eden,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  campaigns,  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and 
the  Tullahoma  campaign;  promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services. 
Was  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  at  the  action  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of 
Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the 
siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  was  on  the  march  to  the' 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  421 

sea;  in  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.    Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.    Lives  at  Streator,  111.    Is  a  merchant. 

CORPORAL  OSCAR  SLAGLE.  Age  18;  born  in  Fulton  County, 
Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Manlius,  August  4,  1862;  was  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  the  action  of  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Was  wounded  at  Chickamauga.  Promoted  Corporal 
for  meritorious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard 
Roo&t,  the  battles  around  Resaca  and  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pur 
suit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas. 
Was  not  off  duty  ten  days  during  his  entire  service.  Known  as  Com 
pany  D  "devil."  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Now  lives  at  Kempton, 
111.  Is  Justice  of  the  Peace.  See  "Incidents." 

CORPORAL  JOHN  SHAPLAND.  Enlisted  from  Allen  August  7, 
1862.  He  took  part  in  the  Kentucky  and  Tullahoma  campaigns,  and 
at  Elk  River  was  one  of  the  ten  volunteers  who  stormed  and  carried 
the  rebel  stockade.  Being  taken  sick  at  Decherd,  he  was  not  in  the 
Chickamauga  campaign,  but  recovering  at  length,  rejoined  the  Regi 
ment  at  Chattanooga  in  time  to  march  on  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and 
was  in  all  its  battles  up  to  and  including  Peach  Tree  Creek,  where  he 
was  severely  wounded,  necessitating  his  discharge  March  1,  1865. 
Shapland  was  always  to  be  relied  upon  in  times  of  danger.  He 
resides  at  Benedict,  York  County,  Nebraska. 

CORPORAL  LEWIS  K.  HUTTON.  Age  22;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Brookfleld,  August  7,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign;  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  In  the  latter  battle  re 
ceived  two  gunshot  wounds,  one  in  the  head,  one  in  the  right  leg. 
Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services.  Was  transferred  to 
V.  R.  C.  Discharged  July  18,  1865.  Lives  at  Paxton,  Neb.  Is  in  real 
estate  business. 

ALONZO  RATHBURN.  Enlisted  August  4,  1862;  musician. 
Mustered  out  May  30,  1865.  Lives  in  Pelican  Rapids,  Minn.,  but  re 
peated  letters  fail  to  wake  him  up. 

OTHO  HOBART.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  August  12,  1862; 
was  with  the  Regiment  in  all  its  campaigns  and  battles  up  to  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  killed,  July  20,  1864. 

JAMES  C.  HUTTON.  Enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  wagoner. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ABRAM  H.  AUSTIN.  Age  18;  born  in  New  York.  Enlisted  from 
Grand  Rapids,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign. 
Killed  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  December  7,  1862.  He  was  much 
esteemed.  Captain  Collins  said:  "He  was  one  of  the  best,  if  not 
the  best  soldier  in  the  company." 

HIRAM  ANDERSON.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  14, 
1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of 
Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Was 
mortally  wounded  in  the  latter  battle  and  died  at  Vinings'  Station, 
Ga.,  August  2,  1864. 

HENRY  B.  ANDERSON.     Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August 


422  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

_L2,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  was  wounded  at  Harts 
ville;  was  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  October  7,  1864. 

ROBERT  S.  BRENT.  Age  24;  born  in  Hennepin,  111.;  farmer;, 
enlisted  August  12,  1862.  Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and. 
severely  wounded  at  Hartsville.  Took  part  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign  as  far  as  Stevenson,  Ala.,  where,  being  taken  sick,  he 
was  sent  to  Nashville.  Was  also  troubled  with  his  wound.  Was 
commissioned  First  Lieutenant  in  the  Seventy-second  Colored 
Troops,  August  3,  1864,  but  did  not  muster  on  account  of  wound. 
Colonel  S.  A.  Porter,  then  commander  of  all  the  colored  troops  in 
Mississippi,  also  offered  him  the  position  of  Adjutant  on  his  staff,  but 
he  was  unable  to  accept,  and  was  discharged  at  Springfield,  111.,  to 
date  from  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Marseilles,  111.,  and  is  connected 
with  the  grain  and  lumber  business.  See  "Incidents." 

THEODORE  P.  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  9, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
wounded  there  severely  and  discharged  for  wounds  April  10,  1863. 

JOHN  F.  BUTE.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  severely  wounded  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  in  three  places,  his  left  hand  being  nearly  shot  off,  his 
right  pierced  by  a  ball,  while  another  went  through  his  neck.  He 
survived,  but  was  discharged  for  wounds,  June  25,  1863. 

JOSEPH  BAKER.  Age  26;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  12,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  near  Ottawa. 

JAMES  F.  BRAMBLE.  Age  23;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Brookfield,  August  12,  1862.  Marched  to  Frankfort,  Ky.,  with 
the  Regiment.  Taken  with  heart  disease;  discharged  for  disability 
May  11,  1863.  Is  a  farmer  at  New  Market,  la. 

ALEXANDER  BRAMBLE.  Age  20;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Brookfield,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face, 
Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  siege  of  Atlanta, 
Utoy  Creek.  Was  "wounded  at  the  latter  place,  August  12,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  June  12,  1865.  Lives  at  Goodland,  Ind.  Engaged  in  farm 
ing. 

CYRUS  H.  BUTE.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  5,  1862; 
farmer;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  with  his  company  until 
taken  sick  with  typhoid  fever.  Died  at  home,  January  24,  1863. 

GARDINER  BAKER.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  13,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville.  Discharged  for  disability,  July  31,  1863. 

JOHN  W.  CARMONY.  Age  21;  born  in  Indiana;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Bruce,  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign,  and 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  was  wounded  in  five  places  by  five  balls; 
was  struck  in  the  left  shoulder  by  two  balls;  one  of  which  has  never 
been  extracted;  also  had  three  ribs  broken;  the  other  wounds  are  less 
serious;  lay  in  hospital  nine  months.  Discharged  for  wounds,  Au 
gust  22,  1863.  Lives  in  Endicott,  Neb.  Is  a  merchant  and  stock 
dealer,  and  evidently  pretty  lively  yet. 

JOHN  B.  CROCKER.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  with  the  Regiment  until  mus 
tered  out,  June  6,  1865. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  423 

HENRY  M.  CLARK.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  12,  1862. 
Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Dis 
charged  for  disability,  March  2,  1864. 

WILLIAM  B.  COYLE.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  Resacar 
New  Hope  Church  and  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Killed  at  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  July  20,  1864. 

DAVID  A.  CARRIER.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  12,  1862; 
discharged  December  9,  1863,  for  disability. 

JOHN  DEWEY.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  August  30,  1863,  on  ac 
count  of  accidental  wounds. 

ALBERT  H.  EBERSOL.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.r 
March  15,  1864.  Lives  in  Chicago. 

JOHN  ESPY.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  4,  1862;  was  at 
Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  died  at  Cowan,  Tenn.r 
December  4,  1863. 

WILLIAM  R.  EYSTER.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  In  the  action  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  September  11,  1863,  was  missing  and  no  doubt  killed.  The 
writer  remembers  his  going  off  that  morning  towards  the  enemy,  he 
never  returned.  Eyster  was  fond  of  daring  adventures  and  the  last 
cost  him  his  life;  he  was  a  fine  marksman  and  scout. 

JOHN  FENN.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  5,  1862;  was 
at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  the  action  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  at  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign,  was  present  at  Rocky  Face  and  Resaca.  Killed 
at  the  latter  place  in  the  battle  of  the  14th  of  May,  1864. 

WILLIAM  A.  FIGHT.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  13,. 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the 
Tullahoma  campaign,  and  at  Elk  River,  one  of  the  ten  volunteers- 
that  captured  the  rebel  stockade.  Was  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Taken  sick,  died  at  Nashville,  March. 
12,  1864.  He  did  not  belie  his  name. 

JOHN  FORCHT.  Age  20;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  from 
Tonica,  August  12,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  cam 
paign;  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was; 
present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face, 
Resaca,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek. 
Taken  with  "night  blindness,"  he  was  then  detailed  to  hospital 
service  in  the  remaining  campaigns,  until  mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  at  Granville,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOHN  W.  GINGERICH.  Enlisted  from  Eden,  August  14,  1862; 
deserted  from  Camp  Chase,  January  15,  1863. 

NORMAN  GRANT.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  12,  1862;  was 
at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was 
at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at 
Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Was  killed'  in  the  latter  battle 
July  20,  1864. 


424          THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

MARSHALL  M.  GALLOWAY.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  August 
12,  1862;  at  Hartsville;  after  the  battle  he  escaped  capture  by  lying 
down  with  the  wounded  and  doing  some  vigorous  groaning  until  our 
forces  arrived.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Was  at 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  On  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Rocky 
Face,  Resaca,  the  battles  around  New  Hope  Church  and  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta;  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas;  Ben- 
tonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Chicago. 

RICHARD  J.  GAGE.  Age  20;  born  in  New  Hampshire;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign;  wounded  in  the  breast  at  Hartsville.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma 
campaign,  and  one  of  the  ten  who  stormed  the  rebel  stockade  at 
Elk  River.  W^as  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  where  he  was  captured  while  assisting  a  wounded  Lieu 
tenant  (Bishop)  of  Bridge's  Battery.  Was  sent  to  Richmond  and 
confined  in  the  Pemberton  building,  opposite  Libby;  was  paroled 
March  12,  1864,  and  sent  north.  Rejoined  the  Regiment  before  Kene 
saw  Mountain.  Was  severely  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  July  20,  1864,  in  three  places,  and  crippled  for  life.  Sent  to 
hospital  at  rear  and  finally  discharged  on  account  of  wounds, 
February's,  1865.  Is  a  farmer,  and  lives  near  Marseilles,  111. 

GEORGE  L.  GILBERT.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  14, 1862; 
deserted  October  26,  1862.  As  he  was  but  fourteen  years  old  when  he 
enlisted,  we  can  hardly  hold  him  responsible.  The  Adjutant  General's 
report  does  not  explain  this  and  it  is  to  be  regretted. 

ALEXANDER  M.  HURIN.  Age  24;  born  in  Brown  County,  Ohio; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign;  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek  and  Jonesboro;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  in  the  Carolina  campaign, 
and  at  Bentonville.  Always  on  hand'.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  at  Seneca,  111. 

RUFUS  E.  C.  HURIN.  Enlisted  from  Allen,  August  12,  1862; 
marched  through  Kentucky  to  Bowling  Green;  left  there  sick,  and 
died  November  14,  1862.  His  was  the  second  or  third  death  in  the 
Regiment. 

AYRES  HALL.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at 
€hickamauga;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

PEMBROOKE  S.  HUTTON.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  Au 
gust  12,  1862;  farmer;  was  in  the  march  through  Kentucky  to  Harts 
ville.  At  the  time  of  that  battle,  on  detail  -at  Gallatin.  Took  part  in 
the  Tullahoma  campaign;  present  at  Davis  Cross  Roads.  Killed  in 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863. 

GEORGE  L.  HOUGHTON.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield,  August  12, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  on  detail  at  the  time  of  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk  River.  Was 
in  the  Chickamauga  campaign,  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chicka 
mauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  that  of  the  Carolinas.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  His  present  address  is  unknown. 

ROBERT   HARE.     Enlisted  from   Brookfield,   August  12,   1862; 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  425 

was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  and  one  of 
the  "forlorn  hope"  at  Elk  River.  Was  at  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
Chickamuga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas;  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865. 

WILLIAM  H.. JONES.  Age  18;  born  in  Ohio;  mason;  enlisted 
from  Brookfield  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
the  march  to  Hartsville;  on  detail  at  time  of  battle;  was  at  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present 
at  Buzzard  Roost — of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  where  August  14,  1864, 
he  was  wounded  in  and  lost  the  sight  of  his  left  eye.  Was  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  at  San  Jose,  Cal. 

SAMUEL  A.  LYONS.  Age  22;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  enlisted 
from  Brookfield  August  14,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks.  Sent  back  sick  to  Nashville 
and  was  in  that  battle.  Absent  at  muster  out  of  regiment.  Lives  at 
Piano,  111. 

MARCUS  J.  LANE.  Enlisted  from  Allen  August  13,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  to  Hartsville;  on  detail  at  time  of  battle. 
In  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  at  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost — of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the 
march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas;  Bentonville,  wounded 
in  the  latter  battle.  Mustered  out  May  26,  1865.  Lives  at  Ransom, 
111.  Is  a  farmer. 

ALEXANDER  H.  LANE.  Enlisted  from  Allen  August  13,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  marched  to  Hartsville;  at  time 
of  battle  on  detail.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns. 
Was  at  Elk  River;  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  was  present  at  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek;  at  the  latter  place  was  mortally 
wounded  August  7,  1864.  Died  October  4,  1864. 

JOSEPH  W.  LAING.  Enlisted  from  -La  Salle  August  5,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the 
Tullahoma,  "Chickamauga,  Atlanta  and  Carolina  campaigns. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

THOMAS  S.  LAW.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  12, 
1862;  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  March  15,  1865. 

MELVIN  P.  MILLER.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  12,  1862. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Gaylord,  Kan. 

GEORGE  MOORE.  Age  32;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Brookfield  August  5,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was 
at  Nashville  on  detached  duty  and  discharged  there  June  9,  1865. 
Lives  at  Ayr,  Neb.  Is  a  farmer,  contractor  and  builder. 

CHARLES  O.  MARCELLUS.  Age  23;  born  in  New  York; 
.farmer;  enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  7,  1862;  discharged  March 


426  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

13,  1863,  for  disability.  Re-enlisted  April  5,  1865,  and  transferred 
to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Lives  at  Stockville,  Neb.  Is  a 
farmer. 

WILLIAM  P.  NEWCOMB.  Enlisted  from  Waltham  August  14, 
1862.  Marched  on  the  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  campaigns  to 
Hartsville.  On  detail  at  Gallatin  during  battle.  Was  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign;  present  at  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain. 
Was  wounded  in  front  of  latter  June  22,  1864.  Absent,  sick,  at 
muster  out  of  Regiment. 

JOSEPH  R.  PLOWMAN.  Age  24;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Dimmick  August  14,  1862.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C., 
January  25.  1864.  Mustered  out  at  Detroit,  Mich.,  July  5,  1865.  Lives 
at'Pontiac,  111. 

CHARLES  G.  PHILLIPS.  Age  23;  born  in  Canada;  farmer; 
enlisted  August  12,  1862,  from  Ottawa.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present 
at  Buzzard  Roost — of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  After  the 
fall  of  Atlanta  went  to  Nashville  for  mules.  Afterward  detailed  as 
scout  at  division  headquarters.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  South  Carolina.  Captured  with  Captain  Ross  at  Stroud's 
Mill,  S.  C.,  February  26,  1865.  Mustered  out  May  24,  1865,  at  Spring 
field.  Lives  at  White  City,  Kan.  In  real  estate  and  insurance 
business.  See  "Notes,"  elsewhere. 

LIFEE  H.  POWERS.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa  August  11,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  wounded  in  the  head  at 
Hartsville,  where  he  fought  bravely.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and. 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  30,  1864. 

JOHN  T.  POWERS.  Age  16;  enlisted  from  Brookfield  August 
11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  marched  to  Hartsville, 
but  was  on  detail  at  Gallatin  at  time  of  battle.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma 
campaign  and  one  of  the  ten  volunteers  to  capture  the  stockade  at 
Elk  River.  Was  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Killed  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,. 
1864.  His  last  words  were:  "Tell  my  mother  I  have  tried  to  do  my^ 
duty  to  my  country,  and  die  a  Christian." 

JOHN  H.  POWERS.  Age  30;  born  in  St.  Clair  County,  111.; 
farmer;  was  in  part  of  the  Kentucky  campaign,  but  was  taken  sick,, 
left  at  Bowling  Green  and  discharged  there  in  December,  1862,  on 
account  of  typhoid  pneumonia.  Adjutant  General's  Report  is  wrong. 
Powers  did  not  die  at  Bowling  Green,  but  recovered,  and  in  1874, 
moved  to  Nebraska  and  engaged  in  farming.  Was  nominated  for 
Governor  on  the  Independent  ticket  in  1880.  Was,  according  to 
the  returns,  defeated  by  a  plurality  of  1,177  votes;  a  contest  entered, 
but  never  tried.  It  thus  appears  that  Mr.  Powers  is  still  a  pretty 
lively  man.  He  lives  at  Trenton,  Neb. 

SAMUEL  G.  PAYNE.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  12, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
and  that  of  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  42T 

JOHN  PETER.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  8,  1862; 
was  in  tke  Kentucky  campaign  and  wounded  in  the  wrist  at  Harts- 
ville.  Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out  of  Regiment. 

JOHN  RINKER.  Age  22;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost— 
of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek. 
Wounded  in  the  latter  battle  in  the  right  leg.  Mustered  out  in  MayT 
1865.  Lives  near  Marseilles,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

REUBEN  F.  REYNOLDS.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  4, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865. 

REUBEN  S.  SMALLEY.  Age  23;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma 
campaign  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  During  the  Atlanta  campaign  was 
detailed  in  Commissary  Department.  Was  in  that  campaign  and 
the  march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865.  Lives  near  Ransom,  111.  Is  a  farmer  and  stock  raiser  and 
takes  an  active  interest  in  the  Grand  Army  and  public  affairs. 

ANSON  S.  SMITH.  Age  26;  born  in  Derby,  Conn.;  enlisted  from 
Brookfield  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
marched  to  Hartsville.  At  time  of  battle  there,  was  on  detail  at 
Gallatin.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chic"kamauga  campaigns;  was 
present  at  Elk  River;  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter,  was 
severely  wounded.  Discharged  on  account  of  wounds,  May  6,  1864. 
Lives  at  Huntington,  Conn.  Is  a  farmer. 

WILLIAM  H.  SMITH.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  7, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
In  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River;  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  and  that  of  thfl  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

GEORGE  H.  SNEDAKER.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  14, 
1862;  discharged.  Lives  in  Kansas. 

BALTZER  SCHAUB.  Age  20;  enlisted  from  Dimmick  August 
14,  1862;  farmer;  marched  through  Kentucky  to  Hartsville.  On 
detail  at  Gallatin  at  time  of  battle.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns:  was  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Wounded  in 
left  knee  at  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard 
Roost — of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy 
Creek,  Jonesboro;  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  through 
the  Carolinas;  Bentonville.  Was  never  absent  from  first  to  last. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JAMES  SPINK.  Enlisted  from  Allen,  August  13,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickmauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 


428  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Atlanta  campaign  and  that  of  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  at  Northfield,  Minn. 

JOSEPH  L.  SAPP.  Enlisted  from  Brookfield  August  12,  1862; 
marched  through  the  Kentucky  campaign  to  Hartsville  where  he  was 
killed  December  7,  1862,  being  hit  almost  at  the  same  instant,  by 
three  balls  in  the  head,  mouth  and  breast. 

OLIVER  M.  SKEEL.  Age  25;  born  in  Putnam  County,  111.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  7,  1862;  \vas  at 
Hartsville  and  on  picket  at  time  of  battle,  seized  a  horse  and  escaped, 
not  being  able  to  join  the  command.  Was  in  the  subsequent 
campaigns;  present  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign; 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Sandwich,  111. 

MICHAEL  H.  STEWARD.  Age  26;  born  in  Preble  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Dimmick  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Urbana,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

FITCH  SMITH.  Age  23;  born  in  Connecticut;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Grand  Rapids  August  14,  1862;  marched  through  Kentucky  to 
Hartsville.  On  detail  at  Gallatin  at  time  of  battle.  In  the  Tullahoma 
campaign  and  at  Elk  River.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign, 
present  at  Buzzard  Roost — of  Rocky  Pace,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Was 
detailed  at  Goldsboro  on  the  escort  of  General  Slocum.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa. 

GEORGE  TAYLOR.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  12, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  At  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Streator,  111. 

DAVID  TULLIS.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  7,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  February 
15,  1864. 

JOHN  C.  VAREL.  Enlisted  from  Serena  August  12,  1862; 
discharged  for  disability  December  21,  1863. 

JOHN  K.  VREELAND.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  12, 
1862;  deserted  June  15,  1863. 

SPRAGUE  L.  WOODWARD.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids 
August  12,  1862;  discharged  for  disability  August  9,  1863. 

LEMUEL  F.  WALLACE.  Age  20;  born  in  Brown  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks.  Taken 
sick  and  sent  back.  Rejoined  Regiment  at  Washington.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Piper  City,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

ROBERT  S.  WALLACE.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August 
7,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
•Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  429^ 

In  the  Atlanta  campaigns  and  battles.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  0, 
1865.  Lives  at  Paxton,  Neb. 

ORA  D.  WALBRIDGB.  Age  20;  born  in  Marseilles,  111.;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Rutland  August  14,  1862;  was  iif  the  Kentucky 
campaign,  severely  wounded  in  the  right  arm  at  Hartsville. 
Discharged  on  account  of  wounds  May  5, 1864.  Lives  at  Marseilles,  111. 

RECRUITS. 

GROVER  C.  CLARK.  Age  18;  born  in  Genesee  County,  New 
York;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Brookfield  February  24,  1864.  Joined 
the  Regiment  at  Dalton  on  a  Sunday  evening  and  received  his 
baptism  of  fire  the  next  morning.  Was  present  in  all  the  engage 
ments  from  that  time  on  and  saw  the  realities  of  war  at  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks  and  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  on  the  Carolina  campaign 
and  at  Bentonville.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 
Discharged  July  12,  1865.  Is  a  Methodist  minister,  located,  1895,  at: 
Princeton,  111. 

PETER  COON.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  April  11,  1865.  Trans 
ferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

WILLIAM  A.  GREENLESS.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids 
February  16,  1865.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

DANIEL  HARVEY.  Enlisted  from  Rutland  April  11,  1865, 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

WILLIAM  H.  HALL.  Enlisted  from  Rutland  April  11,  1865. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

DAVID  R.  JOHNSON.  Enlisted  February  14,  1865.  Died  at 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  March  23,  1865. 

WILLIAM  McCORMICK.  Age  18;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Grand  Rapids,  February  16,  1865.  Transferred  to  Thirty- 
fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Lives  at  Ransom,  111. 

GEORGE    ROLLER.      Enlisted    from    Rutland   April   11,    1865. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

HENRY   SHAPLAND.      Enlisted   from   Grand   Rapids   April   5,. 
1865.    Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

GEORGE  E.  VERMETTE.  Enlisted  from  Rutland  April  11,  1865. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  D. 

Total    enlistment Ill 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 14 

Wounded 24 

Resigned 3 

Discharged  for  wounds 9 

Discharged  for  disability 12 

Discharged  for  accidental  wound 1 

Discharged   for  promotion 4 

Died  of  disease 5 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 31. 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 6 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C 7 

Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry 11 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out Jj 

Deserted  3 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894 56 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


Company     E— How     and     Where   Organized— Roster  and   Biogra^ 
phies— Statistics. 


SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  E. 

This  company  was  recruited  at  Ottawa  between 
the  7th  and  15th  of  August,  1862,  by  John  S.  H.  Doty, 
W.  W.  Calkins  and  others.  The  original  enlistment 
paper  in  the  possession  of  the  writer  contains  the  names 
of  one  hundred  and  thirteen  men  who  intended  to 
serve  their  country.  One  hundred  and  one  were  mus 
tered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  August  27th, 
1862.  The  company  was  made  up  of  men  from  Ottawa, 
South  Ottawa  and  the  surrounding  townships.  Sev 
enty-three  had  been  farmers  who  proposed  to  turn  their 
ploughshares  into  swords,  speaking  figuratively.  The 
professions  were  represented  by  two,  and  trades  by  the 
rest.  The  company  was  a  representative  one  of  the 
best  American  soldiers  physically  and  mentally.  At 
least  twenty  would  have  made  fine  officers.  An  old 
muster-roll  states  the  average  height  of  the  one  hun 
dred  and  one  to  be  five  feet  nine  inches;  the  average 
age  twenty-five  years.  Thirty-two  were  married;  six 
ty-three  unmarried.  When  the  ranks  were  full  and 
overflowing  the  company  was  organized.  John  S.  H. 
Doty  Avas  elected  Captain,  Milton  Strawn  First  Lieu 
tenant,  Ransom  P.  Dewey  Second  Lieutenant.  Wil 
liam  W.  Calkins  was  appointed  First  Sergeant,  Henry 
A.  Doty,  Homer  A.  Wilson,  Robert  A.  Bratton  and 
George  W.  Cummins  Sergeants.  Thomas  Weeks,  John 
I).  King,  Lyman  L.  Nattinger,  David  V.  Diehl,  Will 
iam  J.  Anderson,  Chester  Martin,  Hi  Ion  L.  Mead  and 
Almon  C.  Wilsey  were  appointed  Corporals.  The  com 
pany  was  duly  incorporated  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  as  "E"  and  was  known  as  the  Color  Company, 
carrying  the  regimental  flag,  in  battle  a  post  of  honor 
and  danger.  That  Company  E  served  as  a  fair  target 


Capt  J.  S.  H.  Doty.  Co   E. 

W.  A.  Kain,  Co.  E. 

Lieut.  W.  W.  Calkins,  Co.  E. 


C.  H.  Brown,  Co.  E. 
Capt.  R.  P.  Dewey,  Co.  E. 
Sergt.  W.  H.  Conard,  Co.  E. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  431 

for  the  enemy,  was  well  proven  on  many  bloody  fields 
afterwards.  Having  been  duly  mustered  into  the  ser 
vice  and  having  enjoyed  a  few  days  of  camp  life  at 
Ottawa,  the  order  to  march  came  and  Company  E  left 
for  the  front  at  Louisville.  There,  after  some  delay, 
clothing  and  arms  w^ere  issued  and  in  the  intervals  of 
moving  camp  or  marching,  the  men  were  drilled  regu 
larly  every  day  from  four  to  six  hours.  But  Bragg 
was  then  rapidly  approaching  Louisville  arid  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth  took  up  very  soon  that  long  line 
of  marches,  campaigns,  and  battles,  ending  only  at 
Bentonville,  on  the  other  side  of  the  continent.  With 
the  Regiment  Company  E  inarched  in  pursuit  of  Bragg 
to  Frankfort,  thence  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  and  from 
there  to  Tompkinsville  and  Hartsville,  Term.  At  the 
latter  place  December  7th,  1862,  Company  E  made  its 
first  bloody  sacrifice.  Lieutenant  Milton  Strawn  was 
mortally  wounded;  Corporals  Thomas  Weeks,  John  D. 
King,  David  V.  Diehl  w^ere  killed;  Edward  J.  Curtis, 
George  Hemenover,  Orville  L.  Moorhead,  Samuel  N. 
Merriam  and  Roderick  D.  Reed  were  killed  or  mor 
tally  wounded.  Brave  boys  were  they  who  thus  fell 
in  their  first  battle.  Fifteen  others  were  wounded 
seriously  or  slightly.  Some  of  these  had  to  be  dis 
charged.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns  Company  E  was  ever  found  in  the  line  of  duty 
and  gave  other  lives  to  the  cause.  At  Chickamauga 
Seward,  carrying  the  flag,  fell  mortally  wounded.  At 
Mission  Ridge  the  brave  William  A.  Kain  fell,  and  in 
the  Atlanta  campaign  the  company  lost  many  brave 
men,  including  the  chivalrous  Captain  Doty,  killed  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek.  The  ranks  had  thinned  day  by  day 
from  battle  and  disease,  but  the  remnant  under  the 
iron-nerved  Dewey,  promoted  Captain  July  20th,  1864, 
marched  on  to  share  with  Sherman  the  triumph  of« 
Atlanta,  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  and  the  final  campaigns 
to  Savannah  and  through  the  Carolinas,  ending  with 
Bentonville.  The  record  of  Company  E  is  a  part  of 
that  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  whose  fame  it 
helped  to  make.  The  company  had  during  its  term  of 


432  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

service  forty-seven  men  killed  and  wounded;  of 
number  twenty  wrere  killed  or  mortally  wounded,  ex 
ceeding  by  three  the  death  loss  by  battle  of  any  other 
company.  There  were  no  resignations  in  this  company. 

ROSTER  OP  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  JOHN  SAMUEL  HAY  DOTY.  Age  23;  born  in  Carlyle, 
Pa.;  carpenter;  was  first  in  the  three  months'  service,  enlisting 
April  15,  1861;  enlisted  again  August  7,  1862,  and  began  raising  men 
for  a  company;  was  elected  Captain  unanimously  and  led  his  men 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  was  cap 
tured  there,  but  escaped.  See  "Notes."  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka- 
mauga  campaigns,  Captain  Doty  was  present,  and  was  in  the  actions 
of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
Was  one  of  the  besieged  at  Chattanooga,  and  commanded  his  com 
pany  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  he  participated  in  the  action  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face, 
the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church  and  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain.  At  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.,  July  20,  1864,  Captain  Doty  fell 
mortally  wounded — pierced  by  five  bullets,  and  lived  but  a  short 
time.  No  more  patriotic,  brave  or  nobler  soldier  ever  drew  sword 
in  his  country's  cause.  Every  man  in  the  Regiment  considered  it  a 
personal  bereavement.  To  some  of  his  own  boys  who  crowded 
around,  he  said  with  dying  breath:  "Take  care  of  those  rebels  first 
and  see  to  me  afterwards."  His  last  words  were:  "Tell  my  father 
that  I  die  for  the  flag.  Good  bye,  boys."  His  remains  were  borne 
to  his  home  and  now  rest  in  the  cemetery  at  Ottawa  on  the  banks 
of  the  Illinois. 

CAPTAIN  RANSOM  P.  DEWEY.  Age  22;  born  in  Tioga  County, 
Pa.;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  April  17,  1861,  in  Company  I,  Elev 
enth  Illinois;  three  months'  service;  enlisted  again  August  7, 1862;  was 
elected  Second  Lieutenant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  bat 
tle  of  Hartsville,  Tenn.;  promoted  First  Lieutenant  for  meritorious 
services;  date  of  commission,  December  22,  1862.  He  participated  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  and  was  present  at  the 
actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  skir 
mishes  at  Graysville  and  Taylor's  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of 
Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Promoted  Captain  for  meritorious 
services;  date  of  commission,  July  20,  1864.  He  took  part  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas,  to 
Bentonville,  closing  his  continuous  service  at  the  end  of  the  war 
without  being  absent  a  day  from  the  Regiment.  He  was  a  brave 
and  capable  officer  and  so  regarded.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  at  Marseilles,  111. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  MILTON  STRAWN.  Lieutenant  Strawn 
was  the  son  of  James  and  Hope  Strawn,  early  settlers  of  La  Salle 
County,  and  was  born  in  Ottawa,  December  25,  1836.  He  grew  to 
manhood  in  his  native  town  and  after  attending  school  some  years 
entered  the  law  office  of  Hon.  E.  S.  Leland,  in  1859.  He  was  admitted' 
to  the  bar  in  April,  1862,  and  gave  promise  of  a  future  bright  career. 


W.  M.  Wilson,  Co    E. 
Chas    Ruger.  Co.  E. 
Lieut    M.  Strawn,  Co.  E. 


John  Wallace,  Co.  E. 
Jas.  M.  Hills.  Co.  E. 
Jas.  D  Lawrence,  Co.  E. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  43 

But  the  tremendous  issues  then  before  the  country  called  strongly 
upon  him  to  enlist,  and  he  would  have  done  so  earlier  had  not  the 
care  of  his  widowed  mother  and  younger  brothers  prevented.  He 
enlisted  August  9,  1862,  and  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  of  Com 
pany  E.  Going  with  the  Regiment  to  the  front  he  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  that  in  Tennessee,  culminating  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  December  7,  1862.  On  the  night  of  the  6th,  he  was 
in  command  on  the  picket  line  near  the  ford  of  the  Cumberland, 
When  the  enemy  attacked  he  and  the  reserves  joined  the  company 
on  the  field  and  he  bravely  performed  his  duty  there  until  shot 
down  by  a  ball  in  the  right  leg.  The  wound  was  of  so  serious  a 
nature  that  amputation  became  necessary,  and  although  every  pos 
sible  care  and  attention  was  given  him  at  the  private  house  to 
which  he  had  been  removed,  he  was  unable  to  rally  and  died  Decem 
ber  22d.  Lieutenant  William  Strawn,  who  was  with  him  at  the 
time,  said:  "His  life  in  the  army  was  singularly  pure  and  noble,  in 
all  things  he  was  a  pattern  of  manliness  and  honor,  of  purity  of 
heart  and  motive."  This  is  also  the  testimony  of  his  brother  officers 
and  comrades.  His  remains  were  conveyed  to  Ottawa,  and  con 
signed  to  rest  on  the  banks  of  the  beautiful  Illinois. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  W.  CALKINS.  Age  19;  born 
In  the  Township  of  Farm  Ridge,  but  lived  during  the  greater  part 
of  his  early  life  in  Deer  Park  and  was  raised  a  farmer.  The  family 
removed  from  old  Connecticut  at  an  early  day.  Lieutenant  Calkins' 
grandfather  on  his  father's  side  fought  under  General  Stark  at  the 
battle  of  Bennington,  and  he  had  several  brothers  who  were  also  in 
the  army  of  the  Revolution.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  enlisted  from 
Deer  Park,  August  7,  1862.  He  was  appointed  First  Sergeant  and 
was  with  his  company  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville.  Was  promoted  Second  Lieutenant  for  meritorious 
services,  his  commission  being  dated  December  22,  1862,  and  he  was 
until  1864  the  youngest  commissioned  officer  in  the  Regiment.  When 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  attached  to  Beatty's  Brigade  at 
Murfreesboro  in  1863,  Lieutenant  Calkins  was  detached  as  Aide  de 
Camp  on  the  staff  of  General  John  Beatty,  and  served  in  that  capacity 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  being  present  every 
hour,  and  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  also  both 
days  of  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20,  1863. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  second  day's  battle  he  was  wounded  in  the 
right  leg  on  the  famous  "Horseshoe  Ridge"  while  the  rebels  were 
charging,  and  was  taken  prisoner  there.  He  was  sent  from  the  battle 
field  to  Libby  Prison,  where  he  remained  seven  months  and  seven 
days;  was  afterwards  transferred  to  Macon,  Ga.,  and  there  selected  by 
the  rebels  as  one  of  the  five  hundred  officers  to  be  put  under  the  fire  of 
our  own  batteries  (Gilmore's)  at  Charleston,  S.  C.  That  was  re 
garded  as  an  amusement  and  the  object  the  rebels  had  in  view,  failed. 
Lieutenant  Calkins  was  next  sent  to  Columbia,  S.  C.,  and  escaped 
from  there  (Camp  Sorghum)  November  28,  1864,  by  running  the 
guard.  After  ten  nights  of  travel,  he  reached  the  sea  coast  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Santee  River  and  was  rescued  by  the  United  States 
Steamer  Nipsic;  was  a  prisoner  of  war  fourteen  months  and  sick 
unto  dying  eight  months  of  that  time.  For  meritorious  services 
promoted  First  Lieutenant,  July  20,  1864.  After  his  escape  he  par 
tially  recovered  his  health  and  rejoined  the  army  in  March,  1865, 
first  going  to  Charleston,  where  he  was  put  in  command  of  the  First 


434  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Battalion,  Third  Brigade,  Coast  Division,  under  General  Jonn  P. 
Hatch.  Subsequently,  was  ordered  to  rejoin  his  Regiment  and  did 
so  in  North  Carolina,  and  was  present  at  Johnston's  surrender.  He 
marched  with  the  army  to  Washington,  participated  in  the  Grand 
Review,  and  was  mustered  out  June  6,  1865;  then  returning  home 
was  sick  for  several  years  in  consequence  of  his  prison  life.  In 
1870,  he  removed  to  Chicago  and  still  lives  there.  If  there  is  one 
thing  more  than  another  especially  valued  by  him,  it  is  that  he  was 
a  participant  in  the  war  for  the  Union,  and  a  member  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  whose  history  he  has  written. 

SERGEANT  HENRY  A.  DOTY.  Age  25;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
carpenter;  enlisted  August  7,  1862,  from  Ottawa;  appointed  Second 
Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Harts- 
vine.  Discharged  April  14,  1863,  as  First  Sergeant;  disability.  Lives 
at  Bloomington,  111. 

SERGEANT  HOMER  A.  WILSON.  Age  25;  born  in  Indiana; 
grain  buyer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  7,  1862;  appointed  Third 
Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded  in  the  arm. 
Promoted  First  Sergeant.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  2,  1864. 

SERGEANT  ROBERT  A.  BRATTON.  Age  22;  born  in  Penn 
sylvania;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  12,  1862;  appointed 
Fourth  Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and 
Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kene- 
saw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  In  the  latter  battle  was 
severely  wounded  and  discharged  for  wound,  as  First  Sergeant,  May 
13,  1865.  He  was  a  brave  soldier. 

SERGEANT  GEORGE  W.  CUMMINS.  Age  18;  born  in  Indiana; 
merchant;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  7,  1862;  appointed  Fifth 
Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  head.  In  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Took  part  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  again  wounded  June  22, 
1864,  by  a  piece  of  shell  in  the  breast;  was  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the 
siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  on 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville; 
promoted  First  Sergeant  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  848  Valencia  Street. 
George  would  take  another  chew  of  tobacco  while  the  bullets  were 
flying,  with  as  much  sang  froid  as  though  sitting  around  the  camp 
fire. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  J.  ANDERSON.  Age  19;  born  in  New 
York;  clerk;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  9,  1862;  appointed  Cor 
poral;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded  in  the  arm;  was 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  Promoted  Sergeant.  Was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree 
Creek.  At  the  latter  severely  wounded  in  the  neck,  and  absent 
wounded  at  the  muster  out  of  Regiment. 


BEGIMENT  ]*L  LINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  435 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  H.  CONARD.  Age  18;  born  in  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Serena,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Harfsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
•Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  present  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  in  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge  and  the  skirmishes  following.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services  May  1,  1864;  was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  In  the 
latter  battle  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  shoulder  and  was 
sent  to  hospital,  thence  home.  On  recovering  he  rejoined  the  Regi 
ment  at  Goldsboro,  N.  Cv  and  participated  in  the  last  campaign. 
Promoted  Sergeant  April  7,  1865,  for  meritorious  services.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  A  soldier  who  could  be  counted  upon  in  a 
tight  place.  On  his  return  home  he  was  tendered  a  commission  as 
Lieutenant  in  the  Regular  Army  by  Hon.  B.  C.  Cook,  then  a  mem 
ber  of  Congress  from  the  Ottawa  district,  but  declined.  Lives  near 
Ransom,  111.  Has  been,  since  the  war,  engaged  successfully  in  farm 
ing  and  stock  raising,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor  of  the 
Township  of  Allen.  See  "Incidents." 

CORPORAL  THOMAS  WEEKS.  Age  41;  born  in  England; 
wood  turner;  enlisted  from  Ottawa.  August  15,  1862;  appointed  Cor 
poral;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
ville,  where  he  was  killed  December  7,  1862.  He  was  a  quiet  man, 
attentive  to  duty  and  a  brave  soldier.  His  death  caused  deep  regret. 

CORPORAL  JOHN  D.  KING.  Age  20;  born  in  Michigan;  black 
smith;  enlisted  from  Ottawa.  August  9,  1862;  appointed  Corporal; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he 
fought  bravely  until  mortally  wounded  by  a  rebel  bullet"  in  the  heat 
of  battle. 

CORPORAL  LYMAN  L.  NATTINGER.  Age  17;  born  in  Ohio; 
•w?gon  maker:  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  7,  1862;  appointed  Cor 
poral;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
where  he  was  wounded  at  base  of  skull;  was  taken  prisoner  and  for 
a  while  in  the  rebel  hospital  at  Murfreesboro;  was  taken  to  various 
prisons,  finally  landing  in  Libby;  exchanged  at  City  Point;  rejoined 
the  Regiment  at  Camp  Douglas  and  went  with  it  to  the  front  in 
April,  1863.  He  was  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  at  Elk  River 
and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy 
Creek,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
San  Jose,  Cal. 

CORPORAL  DAVID  V.  DIEHL.  Age  23;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  11,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  he 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign,  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  where  he 
was  killed  December  7,  1862.  Corporal  Diehl  was  six  feet  two  and 
one-half  inches  in  height,  and  fell  facing  the  foe. 

CORPORAL  CHESTER  MARTIN.  Age  29;  born  in  New  York; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville.  Died  at  home,  March  10,  1864. 

CORPORAL  HILON  L.  MEAD.  Age  27;  born  in  Ohio;  teacher; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  marched 
through  Kentucky  to  Hartsville.  At  time  of  the  battle  was  with  the 
supply  train  at  Gallatin.  Remained  there  on  duty  in  the  com- 


436  THE  QNE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

missary  department  until  he  joined  the  Regiment  near  Kenesaw 
Mountain  in  1864.  Was  in  the.  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek  and 
wounded  on  the  head;  went  "to  hospital  at  Chattanooga  and 
Nashville.  Rejoined  the  Regiment,  after  being  on  duty  at  Chatta 
nooga,  in  North  Carolina.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in 
Tacoma,  Wash.  Is  a  lawyer. 

CORPORAL  ALMON  C.  WILSEY.  Age  30;  born  in  New  York;, 
boatman;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  appointed  Cor 
poral;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C., 
January  16,  1864.  Lives  in  Chicago. 

CORPORAL  HENRY  JONES.  Age  44;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Utica,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 'of  Hartsville, 
and  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Took  part  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas; 
promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  service.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Was  a  soldier  always  ready  for  duty  in  camp  or  battle.  No- 
soldier  was  more  pfompt  at  all  times. 

CORPORAL  JARED  K.  KIMBALL.  Age  40;  born  in  Connecti 
cut;  mason;  enlisted  from  Utica,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville;  promoted  Corporal  for 
meritorious  service.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Last  heard  of  in 
Kansas.  There  was  no  discount  on  Jerry,  who  was  sometimes  called 
"Kansas." 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  WILKINSON.  Age  22;  born  in  England; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Dayton,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at 
Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge;  wounded  in  the  latter  battle.  Was  in  the  skir 
mishes  at  Graysville  and  Taylor's  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Took  part  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben 
tonville.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  service.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Moved  to  Kansas,  residence  not  known. 

DAVID  A.  WISHER.  Musician;  age  20;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Rutland,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville  and  badly  wounded  in  the  hand.  Discharged  for  wound  April 
14,  1863. 

JOHN  G.  DEBOLT.  Musician;  age  26;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Rutland,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville.  W^s  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church;  mortally  wounded  July  9th,  near  Kenesaw  Mountain; 
died  July  10,  1864. 

JOHN  PARROTT.  Age  29;  born  in  Ohio;  wagoner;  enlisted  from 
Rutland,  August  11,  1862;  farmer;  was  in  all  the  campaigns.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6.  1865.  Died  several  years  ago. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  437 

JOHN  W.  ABBOTT.  Age  22;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Grand  Rapids  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  bat 
tles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Killed  in  the  latter  battle,  July  20, 1864. 
THOMAS  ABBOTT.  Age  19;  born  in  New  Jersey;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Discharged  December 
9,  1863;  disability.  Lives  in  Nebraska. 

SILAS  H.  BREESE.  Age  19;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Serena,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Taken  sick  and  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  Sep 
tember  30,  1863.  Discharged  July  7,  1865.  Lives  at  Forest  City,  la. 

ISAAC  BAUMGARDNER.  Age  29;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
worker  in  metals;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Was  attacked 
with  chronic  rheumatism  and  discharged  January  9,  1864.  Lives  at 
Ottawa,  111. 

EDWIN  A.  BOYCE.  Age  28;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Died  in  Chicago,  March  19,  1863. 

CHARLES  H.  BROWN.  Age  29;  born  in  Newport,  R.  I.;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the 
neck.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  in 
the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Taken  sick 
and  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  February  29,  1864.  Discharged  Septem 
ber  26,  1864,  on  account  of  heart  disease  or  neuralgia.  Charley  was 
a  crack  shot  and  faithful  to  his  duty.  Lives  at  Ogalalla,  Neb.  Is 
in  the  real  estate  business,  but  has  had  poor  health  since  the  war. 

GEORGE  H.  BAILEY.  Age  24;  born  in  Connecticut;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville  and  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Not  living. 

ALEXANDER  COYLE.  Was  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign,  at 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and 
that  of  the  Carolinas.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 
JAMES  T.  CUNNINGHAM.  Age  20;  born  in  New  York;  glass 
cutter;  first  enlisted  in  1861,  in  the  Twelfth  New  York  Infantry, 
Company  E.  WTas  in  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run  and  was  wounded  by 
the  saber  cut  of  a  rebel  cavalryman.  Discharged  after  four  months' 
service.  Enlisted  again  from  Ottawa,  August  18,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky,  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga.  Wounded  severely  in  the 
latter  battle  in  the  ankle;  in  Nashville  hospital  until  discharged  for 
wound,  February  22,  1864.  Lives  in  Chicago  and  is  engaged  in  the 
newspaper  business. 

FREDERICK  CREGGER.     Age  29;  born  in  Germany;  farmer; 
unlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862 ;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam- 


438  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka- 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  at  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  ma/ch 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Deer  Park,  111.;  is  a  farmer. 

EDWARD  J.  CURTIS.  Age  21;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Waltham,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed,  December 
7,  1862.  He  was  much  esteemed  by  all. 

JOSEPH  W.  CONARD.  Age  20;  born  in  Licking  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Serena,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  slightly  wounded 
under  the  left  eye;  fired  the  first  shot  at  Hartsville  that  alarmed 
the  camp;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  £ross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  receiving 
in  the  latter  a  severe  gunshot  wound.  Was  also  in  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek;  in  the  various  skirmishes, 
in  front  of  Atlanta;  at  Utoy  Creek  and  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pur 
suit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to 
Bentonville.  When  Joe  fired  some  one  dropped.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Buckley,  111.  Is  engaged  in  farming  and. 
raising  fine  Jersey  cows. 

PETER  DUNN.  Age  18;  born  in  Scotland;  farmer;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at 
Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was 
in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church  and  the  battles  around  Kenesaw 
Mountain.  Killed  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,  1864.  Was  a  brave, 
and  faithful  soldier  and  grit  to  the  backbone. 

WILLIAM  H.  DEUKERT.  Age  19;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville.  Discharged  October  8,  1864;  disability.  Lives  in  Ottawa,  111. 

LYSANDER  DOWNING.  Age  19;  born  in  Lynn,  Mass.;  enlisted 
from  Serena,  August  15,  1862;  farmer;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  also  in  a  part  of  the  Tullahoma  cam 
paign;  taken  sick  and  transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  November  1,  1864; 
was  a  Corporal  in  Company  I,  Seventeenth  Regiment.  Discharged 
June  30,  1865.  Lives  in  McMinnville,  Ore.  Is  a  farmer. 

WILLIAM  J.  DAILY.  Age  30;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Freedom,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville,  and  slightly  wounded.  Deserted  January  6,  1863. 

WILLARD  M.  ELLSWORTH.  Age  22;  born  in  Connecticut;  en 
listed  from  Deer  Park,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville  and  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  October 
29,  1864. 

LEVI  EAMES.  Age  28;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Ottawa,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
where  he  was  taken  prisoner  September  20,  1863,  sent  to  Richmond, 
thence  to  Andersonville,  and  last  seen  in  the  prison  at  Macon,  Ga.,. 
by  Wallace;  died  there  or  at  the  former  place. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  439 

THOMAS  FERRIS.  Age  23;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  deserted  September  6,  1862. 

JEREMIAH  GROVE.  Age  23;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Rutland,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Chickamauga  campaign  from 
Decherd,  and  was  at  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and 
Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea.  Taken  sick  at  Savannah  and  died  February  9,  1865. 

JAMES  L.  GREEN.  Age  22;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Dayton,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  and  at  Elk  River; 
swam  across  that  stream  and  scouted  on  the  south  side  in  advance 
of  our  forces  before  the  rebels  had  left  the  vicinity.  At  Cowan  he 
was  detailed  to  drive  an  ammunition  wagon.  Was  captured  by 
Wheeler's  cavalry  in  the  Sequatchie  'Valley  during  the  siege  of 
Chattanooga,  but  escaped.  Was  in  all  the  subsequent  campaigns. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Streator,  111. 

JOHN  W.  HART.  Age  23;  born  in  Rhode  Island;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Deer  Park,  August  15,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign  to  Elk  River;  sunstruck,  but  recovered,  and 
was  at  Davis  Cross  Roads, 'Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  pursuit  of  Hood,  in 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Salina,  Kan.  Is  a  farmer  and  nearly 
blind. 

JAMES  M.  HILLS.  Age  39;  born  in  Sackett's  Harbor,  N.  Y.; 
bookkeeper;  enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Was  on  detail 
most  of  the  time  at  brigade  headquarters,  being  a  fine  penman  and 
accustomed  to  clerical  work.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in 
Chicago.  Is  cashier  and  bookkeeper  and  has  been  with  the  same 
house  since  the  war,  always  occupying  positions  of  trust  and  re 
sponsibility. 

EDWARD  J.  HARNEY.  Age  27;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Freedom,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
Deserted  April  12,  1863. 

GEORG'E  HEMENOVER.  Age  18;  born  in  Michigan;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Rutland,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed,  Decem 
ber  7,  1862.  He  was  generous  and  brave. 

JACOB  KURD.  Age  39;  born  in  Canada;  bridge  builder;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  9,  1862.  Deserted  April  9,  1863. 

JAMES  F.  HOLLAND.  Age  23;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Deer  Park,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga.  Was  taken  sick  and  died  at  Chattanooga,  November  3,  1863. 
Always  attentive  to  duty  and  never  flinched. 

ALBERT  P.  KEMP.  Age  24;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  from 
Utica.  August  9.  1862:  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged 
April  24,  1865;  disability. 


440  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

WILLIAM  A.  KAIN.  Age  21;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Dayton,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  in  the  battles  of 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter  battle  a  rebebl 
sharpshooter,  who  had  brought  down  several  of  our  men,  was  himself 
quieted  by  Kain,  who  shot  left  handed.  The  brave  Kain  was  killed 
soon  after  and  the  Regiment  lost  a  noble  soldier,  whose  memory 
will  always  be  pleasant  to  his  comrades  and  those  who  knew  him. 
William  M.  Wilson  says:  "Billy  Kain,  who  shot  left  handed,  soon 
silenced  that  rebel  so  that  he  did  not  trouble  us  any  more."  William 
frequently  butchered  cattle  for  the  command,  but  his  heart  was 
larger  than  those  of  the  oxen  he  killed. 

DAVID  K.  LATHROP.  Age  39;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  South  Ottawa,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville  and  part  of  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Taken  sick;  discharged 
July  4,  1863. 

OLIVER  L.  LAWRENCE.  Age  29;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Utica,  August  13,  1862;  discharged. 

JAMES  LYLE.  Age  22;  born  in  Massachusetts;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862.  He  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  December  12,  1862,  for  a  serious 
disability. 

JAMES  D.  LAWRENCE.  Age  18;  born  in  Indiana;  %  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Serena,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk 
River.  Was  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  At 
lanta  campaign;  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the 
battles  around  Kenesaw,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  Utoy  Creek,  Jones- 
TDoro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood  until  taken  sick  with  typhoid  fever, 
when  he  was  sent  from  one  hospital  to  another  until  mustered  out, 
May  20,  1865.  James  always  did  his  duty  most  faithfully. 

LANGDON  B.  MORRILL.  Age  27;  born  in  New  Hampshire; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Taken  sick  at  Camp  Chase, 
Ohio,  and  died  January  15,  1863. 

ALONZO  W.  MERRICK.  Age  18;  born  in  Indiana;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  13,  1862;  discharged  October  4,  1862; 
disability.  t 

ORVILLE  L.  MOORHEAD.  Age  24;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed,  December  7, 
1862,  by  a  bullet  in  the  forehead  and  while  in  the  act  of  firing  on 
the  enemy;  he  was  generous  and  brave. 

SAMUEL  N.  MERRIAM.  Age  20;  born  in  Massachusetts; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  mortally 
wounded  and  died  a  few  days  later.  His  death  was  mourned. 

WILLIAM  G.  MIDDLETON.  Age  25;  born  in  England;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Dayton,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville 
and  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Died  at  Chattanooga,  November  22, 
1863. 

FELIX  M'CULLOUGH.  Age  19;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  441 

and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the 
arm.  At  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  went  to  hospital;  wound  not  having 
been  properly  attended  to,  he  died,  December  28,  1862.  He  was  a 
brave  soldier  and  his  name  an  index  of  his  nature. 

JOHN  M'CULLOUGH.  Age  30;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 
Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Killed  in  the  latter  battle, 
July  20,  1864.  He  was  one  of  the  bravest.  See  "Incidents." 

JAMES  McCORMICK.  Age  24;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Deserted  April  12,  1863. 

JAMES  A.  NEWELL.  Age  19;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Deer  Park,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
Taken  sick  in  1863,  but  rejoined  the  Regiment  and  was  in  the  battles 
around  Kenesaw  Mountain;  at  Peach  Tree 'and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jones- 
boro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  James  could  be  depended 
upon  every  time.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Rockport, 
Mo.  Is  a  merchant. 

JOHN  W.  NATTINGER.  Age  29;  born  in  Ohio;  carpenter;  en 
listed  from  South  Ottawa,  August  14, 1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign;  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  and  Jonesboro.  In  the  campaign  after  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  San  Jose,  Cal. 

BENJAMIN  PHILLIPS.  Age  23;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Utica, 
August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  face  severely,  and  slightly 
In  the  neck.  Discharged  for  wounds  January  25,  1863.  Lived  at 
Decatur,  Neb.  Died  in  1894. 

WILLIAM  W.  PILKINGTON.  Age  19;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
unlisted  from  Allen,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle 
of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church  and  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain.  Mortally  wounded  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,  1864,  and  died 
shortly  after.  A  fine  soldier. 

WILLIAM  H.  PEMBROOK.  Age  20;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  South  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CHARLES  RUGER.  Age  18;  born  in  Illinois;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Serena,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge,  where  he  was  wounded  slightly;  was  in  the  engagements 
following  the  latter  battle.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Was  in  the  numerous 


442  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

skirmishes  in  front  of  Atlanta.  Was  mortally  wounded  July  25,. 
1864,  and  died  on  the  26th.  The  Regiment  lost  one  of  its  best  soldiers, 
when  Charley  Ruger  died.  His  body  was  taken  home  by  his  father 
and  laid  to  rest  in  the  family  burying  ground  on  the  old  farm. 

WILLIAM  C.  ROSE.  Age  50;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  marched  to  Frankfort;  dis 
charged  October  15,  1862;  disability.  It  can  be  said  of  him,  "The 
spirit  was  willing  but  the  flesh  was  weak." 

DAVID  A.  RUMPLE.  Age  19;  born  in  Perry  County,  Pa.; 
blacksmith;  enlisted  from  South  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns,  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jones- 
boro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Always  on  hand.  Mustered 
out  May  24,  1865.  Lives  in  South  Ottawa. 

ROBERT  ROBINSON.  Age  33;  born  in  Canada;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Deer  Park,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  discharged  January  9,  1864;  dis 
ability. 

EDWARD  C.  RUSSELL.  Age  21;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  was  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Rocky  Face,  the 
battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain;  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek  and  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben 
tonville.  While  at  Savannah  was  one  of  one  hundred  picked  men 
selected  by  Major  Widmer  to  charge  the  rebel  breastworks  across 
the  lagoon,  in  a  night  expedition.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  His, 
record  speaks  for  itself.  Lives  in  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

ALFRED  ROBERTS.  Age  22;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  seriously  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  for 
wound  April  14,  1863. 

JOHN  P.  REIGERT.  Age  25;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas.  A  good  soldier  and  fine  forager,  generally 
bringing  in  his  mule  loaded.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  some 
years  ago. 

RODERICK  D.  REED.  Age  22;  born  in  New  York;  enlisted  from 
Deer  .Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the 
battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed,  December  7,  1862.  His 
position,  when  he  fell,  was  next  to  that  of  the  writer,  who  remem 
bers  the  circumstance  well  and  raised  his  head  at  the  time.  A  gifted: 
poet  wrote  a  poem  on  his  death,  from  which  the  following  is  ex 
tracted: 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  443 

"He  joined  in  the  conflict  and  boldly  did  stand, 

The  battle  raged  fierce  on  the  plain; 
But  soon  fell  the  weapon  from  his  faithful  hand, 

The  noble  young  soldier  was  slain." 

JOSEPH  A.  SHERMAN.  Age  23;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  mason; 
enlisted  from  South  Ottawa,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  seriously 
wounded  in  the  arm.  Discharged  for  wound,  May  13,  1863. 

CHARLES  G.  SMITH.  Age  43;  born  in  New  York;  carriage 
maker;  enlisted  from  South  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  September  2,  1863. 

WILLIAM  H.  SMITH.  Age  32;  born  in  Fayette  County,  Ind.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Utica,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka- 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga. 
At  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  at  Utica,  111. 

HENRY  B.  SMITH.  Age  27;  born  in  Roxbury,  Conn.;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campagin; 
at  Elk  River.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Never  missed  anything 
but  his  rations  and  shot  straight.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives 
at  Deer  Park,  111. 

WILLIAM  A.  SMITH.  Age  15;  born  in  Illinois.  Discharged 
October  15,  1862;  disability. 

JAMES  G.  SEWARD.  Age  38;  born  in  New  York;  carpenter; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded.  In  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  color  bearer 
and  mortally  wounded,  dying  at  Chattanooga,  October  22,  1863.  He 
was  a  brave  man. 

JAMES  C.  SCHOONOVER.  Age  22;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Freedom,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  cam 
paign  and  at  Elk  River.  In  the  battles  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign,  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church.  Mortally 
wounded  before  Kenesaw,  May  30,  1864.  Died  June  26,  1864.  Much 
regretted. 

ALBERT  J.  SCOVILL.  Age  23;  born  in  New  York;  painter;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  at  Elk  River.  In  all  the  other  cam 
paigns  with  the  band  and  ambulance  corps.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 

RUSSELL  WAIT.  Age  29;  born  in  Ohio;  laborer;  enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville.  In  the  Chickamauga  campaign;  at  Lookout  Moun- 


444  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles; 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  several  years  ago. 

WILLIAM  M.  WILSON.  Age  18;  born  in  England;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Adams,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka- 
mauga  campaigns;  he  was  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20,  1863. 
In  the  skirmishes  at  Graysville  and  Taylor's  Ridge,  or  Ringgold.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  where  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  left  shoulder 
joint,  which  was  shattered.  The  surgeons  made  a  resection  and  in 
time  Wilson  partially  recovered.  Was  discharged  February  27, 
1865,  for  wound.  Lives  at  Spaulding,  la.,  and  is  a  farmer.  There 
are  no  fly-specks  on  his  record.  See  "Incidents." 

CHARLES  W.  WILSON.  Age  29;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville  and  wounded  in  the  leg.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle 
of  Chickamauga.  Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out  of  Regiment.  Lives 
at  McCune,  Kan.  Is  a  farmer  and  grain  dealer. 

JOHN  WALLACE.  Age  23;  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland,  of  Scotch 
parentage;  farmer;  enlisted  from  South  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk 
JRiver;  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  where  he  was  on  the  skirmish  line  and  knocked  over  by 
the  concussion  of  a  cannon  ball  hitting  a  tree,  and  was  taken 
prisoner.  He  was  sent  to  Richmond  and  Danville;  escaped  from 
the  latter,  but  was  recaptured  and  sent  to  Andersonville.  Disguised 
as  a  rebel,  he  escaped  in  November,  1864,  and  rode  on  a  train  to 
Macon;  there  saw  Levi  Eames  of  Company  E,  who  died  in  prison. 
He  then  boarded  a  train  for  Savannah,  but  was  detected  by  a  rebel 
officer  and  started  back  to  prison.  The  train  was  captured  by  Kil- 
patrick,  and  John  was  sent  to  Washington.  Rejoined  the  Regi 
ment  in  the  Carolinas  and  was  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865.  Lives  at  Pontiac,  111.  Is  a  farmer  and  engineer  and  has 
become  wealthy. 

WILLIAM  A.  WELLER.  Age  39;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
-enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  at  Hartsville.  Discharged  July  23,  1863;  disability. 
Died  some  years  ago.] 

EVAN  WYMAN.  Age  26;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  enlisted  from 
South  Ottawa,  August  13,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Wounded 
slightly  in  the  leg  twice,  once  at  Resaca  and  once  in  front  of  At 
lanta.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Omaha,  Neb.  Is  in  the 
book  business. 

JOSEPH  B.  WILSON.  Age  28;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Utica,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  At  Elk 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  44& 

River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  also  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Carried  considerable  fat,  but 
it  did  not  prevent  his  getting  around,  nor  did  the  rebels  get  any. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Utica,  111. 

DANIEL  C.  WHITMORE.  Age  18;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  de 
serted  January  6,  1863. 

SfEPHEN  WALTER.  Age  43;  born  in  England;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  South  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  to  Tompkinsville,  Ky.  Died  there  November  23, 1862.  Was 
very  useful  to  the  Regiment  as  a  butcher.  His  early  death  im 
pressed  all. 

QUINCY  D.  WHITMAN.  Age  36;  born  in  Huron  County,  Ohio; 
bookkeeper;  enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  promoted  Ser- 
geant-Major.  See  N.  C.  Staff  for  record. 

DARWIN  ZEEK.  Age  15;  born  in  Illinois;  enlisted  from  Ot 
tawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  .battle  of 
Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  At  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge  and  Resaca.  In  employ  of  Illinois 
Central;  residence  Amboy,  111. 

RECRUITS. 

SAMUEL  A.  PISKE.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  December  16,  1863. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign;  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  slightly 
wounded.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

NEWTON  J.  HORNBECK.  Age  17;  born  in  New  York;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  December  16,  1863;  was  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign;  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Caro 
linas;  at  Bentonville.  Was  always  on  hand.  Transferred  to  Com 
pany  I,  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry,  and  mustered  out  July  12, 
1865.  Is  a  large  builder  and  contractor  at  Streator,  111. 

JOHN  G.  NEWELL.  Age  15;  born  in  Brown  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Deer  Park,  December  16,  1863;  was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the 
battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Very  young,  but  brave. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Mustered  out  at 
Louisville,  July  12,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  near -Ransom,  111. 

CHARLES  A.  PEMBROOK.  Enlisted  from  Pall  River,  January 
4,  1864;  in  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas  and  at  Bentonville.  Trans 
ferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Lives  in  Nebraska. 

JOHN  WARD.  Enlisted  from  Freedom,  December  21,  1863.  Died 
at  Springfield,  September  25,  1864. 


446  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  E. 

Total  enlistment 101 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 20 

Wounded 27 

Discharged  for  wounds 8 

Discharged  for  disability 16 

Died  of  disease 7 

Died  in  Andersonville 1 

Promted  Sergeant-Major ,-. . .     i 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 26 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 1 

Transferred  to  V.   R.   C 6 

Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry 5 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out 1 

Absent,  wounded,  at  muster  out 1 

Deserted  i> 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 33 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 


Company     F— How     and     Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biogra 
phies — Statistics. 


SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  F. 

In  regard  to  the  recruiting  and  organization  of  this 
company  Captain  Strawn  writes:    "About  the  middle 
of  the  summer  of  1862  James  J.  McKernan,  of  Bruce 
Township,  inspired  by  his  love  of  country  and  stung 
by  the  general  and  well-known  fact  of  the  backward 
ness  of  democrats  in  enlisting,  made  up  his  mind  to 
raise  a  company  in  his  own  town    to    be    composed 
mostly  of  democrats.    He  recruited  about  sixty,  which 
it  was  seen  was  about  the  maximum.     He  therefore 
suggested  to  the  writer  to  join  with  him  and  fill  up  the 
company.    The  suggestion  was  acted  upon  and  by  Au 
gust  14th  the  ranks  were  full  and  what  became  Com 
pany  F  organized."    Thus  by  the  patriotic  and  prompt 
action  of  these  two  representatives*  of  different  polit 
ical  faiths  in  the  town  of  Bruce,  men  who  enjoyed  the 
confidence  of  all,  as  men,  Company  F  sprang  into  being 
and  was  made  up  almost  wholly  of  the  hardy  and  stal 
wart  sons  of  toil  in  the  southern  part  of  the  county. 
On  the  organization  James  J.  McKernan  \vas  elected 
Captain,  William  Strawn  First  Lieutenant,  John  C. 
Linsley  Second  Lieutenant.     Austin  V.  Mitchell  was 
appointed  First  Sergeant;  George  W.  Cooper,  Joseph 
M.  Walker,  Charles  M.  Johnson,  Francis  M.  Daugherty, 
Sergeants. 

Benjamin  W.  Jones,  George  McCandlish,  William 
A.  Smith,  Benj.  F.  Fatlmestock,  Stephen  Mason,  Will 
iam  Cunliff,  Calvin  Brock,  Martin  H.  Crider,  Corporals. 
The  company  reported  at  Ottawa  and  became  a  part 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth,  with  which  its  for 
tunes  were  thenceforth  identified.  In  the  future 
inarches  and  battles  of  the  Regiment  the  brave  men  of 


448  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Company  F  were  always  found  at  the  front  wherever 
duty  called..  The  personal  daring  of  some  of  the  mem 
bers  is  well  known,  while  the  steady  bravery  of  the 
company  was  a  matter  of  pride  to  all.  At  Hartsville 
the  first  sacrifice  was  made.  Four  good  men,  Cor 
poral  James  Spencer,  Jr.,  John  McDougall,  Rees  Brock 
and  William  \Voodberry,  Avere  killed.  Thirteen  were 
wounded,  including  Captain  McKernan.  Lieutenant 
William  Strawn  wras  acting  Brigade  Commissary  at 
the  time  of  the  battle,  and  absent  with  about  two  hun 
dred  men  of  the  Brigade  at  Gallatin.  On  the  return 
of  the  Regiment  to  the  front  in  April,  1863,  Captain 
McKernan  led  his  company  until  June,  but  resigned 
on  the  14th  of  that  month  owing  to  ill-health  and  his 
somewhat  advanced  years.  He  was  a  thorough  patriot 
and  brave  man.  Lieutenant  Strawn  then  became  Cap 
tain  and  remained  with  the  company  and  on  constant 
duty  in  all  its  future  service.  The  pages  of  this  book 
will  show  in  some  small  degree  the  part  taken  by  Com 
pany  F  in  the  achievements  performed  by  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  but  can  never  do  full  justice  to 
the  brave  men  who  fell  on  the  battlefield  or  otherwise 
for  their  country,  nor  to  the  living  who  yet  cherish 
proud  recollections  of  former  trials,  hardships  and 
dangers. 

ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  JAMES  J.  M'KERNAN.  Enlisted  in  July,  1862,  from 
Bruce;  farmer;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  after  Bragg;  com 
manded  his  company  at  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  was  wounded 
in  the  left  arm,  right  wrist  and  cheek.  Resigned  June  14,  1863,  at 
Murfreesboro.  The  Captain  was  a  stand-up  hard  fighter  and  re 
gretted  leaving  the  service.  Died  some  years  ago  at  his  home  in 
Bruce,  from  the  effects  of  Bright's  disease  of  the  kidneys,  induced  by 
hardship  in  the  service. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  STRAWN.  Born  in  Licking  County,  Ohio, 
November  7,  1822,  a  son  of  Jacob  Strawn,  of  Morgan  County,  111., 
the  famous  "cattle  king"  of  the  west.  Moving  to  La  Salle  County 
Captain  Strawn  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  dealing,  and  during 
the  Kansas  troubles  raised  and  led  a  company  of  men  to  "Bleeding 
Kansas."  Whether  he  first  imbibed  a  taste  for  blood  and  a  military 
life  at  that  time  we  do  not  know,  but  he  was  always  regarded  as 
a  very  mild  mannered  man,  albeit  of  strong  convictions  on  some 
questions,  and  not  afraid  to  show  his  faith  by  his  works. 
Therefore,  on  August  14,  1862,  he  enlisted  and  was  elected 
First  Lieutenant  of  Company  F.  From  that  time  he  was  con  • 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  449- 

tinuously  in  the  service  with  his  company,  except  when  de 
tached  as  Brigade  Commissary  for  short  periods.  Captain  Strawn 
was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church;  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek; 
the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  was  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and 
Bentonville.  During  much  of  this  long  period,  Captain  Strawn 
commanded  on  the  skirmish  line  in  dangerous  positions,  where 
bravery,  firmness,  and  skill,  were  required.  His  services  closed 
only  when  there  was  no  longer  any  foe  to  fight,  and  he  retired  to 
private  life.  Lives  in  Odell,  111.,  and  in  his  advanced  years  meditates 
on  those  stirring  times  of  which  he  was  a  part.  See  his  notes  else 
where. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  C.  LINSLEY.  Enlisted  from 
Bruce  in  August,  1862.  Was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  received 
a  flesh  wound  in  the  leg.  Resigned  August  7,  1864. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  CHARLES  M.  JOHNSON.  Age  22;  born 
in  Clinton  County,  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14, 
1862.  Went  out  as  Fourth  Sergeant.  Took  part  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  was  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moutain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Sent  home  sick  from  Chattanooga,  but  recovered  in  time  to  take 
part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign.  Was  promoted  First  Sergeant, 
February  21,  1864.  Was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of 
Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  When  Sherman  started  for  the 
sea  he  was  unable  to  go  on  account  of  a  chronic  disease,  and  was 
sent  to  Nashville.  Commissioned  Lieutenant  for  meritorious  services 
August  5,  1864,  but  did  not  muster.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives 
at  Stockton,  Kan.  Is  a  farmer. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  AUSTIN  V.  MITCHELL.  Age  38;  bom 
in  Indiana;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  appointed 
First  Sergeant.  Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  where  he  was  slightly  wounded  in  both  ears.  Took  part 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  up  to  Chickamauga^ 
when  he  was  taken  severely  sick  and  sent  to  hospital.  Commissioned 
Second  Lieutenant  June  4,  1863,  but  not  mustered.  Discharged  Jan 
uary  31,  1864,  for  disability  and  chronic  diarrhea.  Lives  in  Streator, 
111.  Retired  from  business. 

SERGEANT  GEORGE  W.  COOPER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.. 
Discharged  for  disability  March  7,  1865. 

SERGEANT  JOSEPH  M.  WALKER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  marched  to  Hartsville,  where  he  was  taken  sick  and  died 
December  4,  1862.  He  was  a  good  man  and  soldier. 

SERGEANT  FRANCIS  M.  DAUGHERTY.  Age  24;  born  in 
Nicholas  County,  Ky. ;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tulla 
homa;  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,, 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 


450  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  of  Rocky  Face;  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek;  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy 
Creek.  Was  wounded  in  the  breast  at  the  latter  place,  August  7, 

1864,  but  recovered  in  time  to  follow  Hood  to  Alabama.     Was  on 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas,  and  was  at  Ben- 
tonville.     Mustered  out  with  the  Regimentj  June  6,  1865.     He  was 
an  intrepid  soldier  and  good  shot.    Lives  near  Streator.    Is  a  farmer. 

SERGEANT  MARTIN  H.  CRIDER.  Age  25;  born  in  Chambers- 
burg,  Pa.;  farmer  and  teacher;  enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign.  Took  part  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge;  promoted  Sergeant;  discharged  December 
1,  1863,  and  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  in  the  Sixteenth  United 
States  Colored  troops.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  July,  1865.  Took 
part  in  the  battle  of  Nashville.  Mustered  out  April  30,  1866.  Lives 
in  Bruce.  Is  a  farmer. 

SERGEANT  AARON  G.  BARDWELL.  Age  28;  born  in  Penn 
sylvania;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign;  at  the  time  of  the  Hartsville  battle  was  on 
detail  at  Gallatin.  Was  taken  sick  and  sent  home  to  die,  but  re 
covering,  he  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Stevenson,  Ala.,  and  there 
after  never  lost  a  day.  He  was  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  being  present  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  promoted 
Sergeant  before  Atlanta  and  made  color  bearer  by  Colonel  Hape- 
man,  for  meritorious  conduct.  Also  took  part  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  was 
present  at  Bentonville.  .Mustered  out  with  the  Regiment,  June  6, 

1865.  Lives  at  Chanute,  Kan.    Is  a  farmer,  but  has  been  unable  to 
do  any  work  for  fifteen  years  on  account  of  heart  disease. 

SERGEANT  LEMUEL  B.  LAUGHLIN.  Enlisted  from  Allen, 
August  14,  1862.  Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  distinguished  for  coolness  and  bravery;  noted  else 
where;  was  slightly  wounded.  Promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious 
service.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River  and  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads.  Was  killed  in 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863,  and  a  brave  man  fell 
on  that  bloody  day. 

SERGEANT  JOHN  H.  SHAY.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14, 
1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  He  was  one  of  the  youngest 
soldiers  and  always  on  hand.  Promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  lawyer  at  Streator,  111., 
and  a  fine  public  speaker. 

SERGEANT  HUGH  H.  WILSON.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862; 
farmer;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  45L 

Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its 
battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  north 
wards  to  Bentonville;  a  brave  and  faithful  soldier  always.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  at  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

SERGEANT  JAMES  MOONEY.  Age  18;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Allen,  August  7,  1862;  promoted  Corporal.  Was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious 
services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta, 
Utoy  Creek;  wounded  at  the  latter  place,  August  7,  1864,  in  the  left 
hip.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Afton,  la.  Is  a  farmer. 

CORPORAL  BENJAMIN  W.  JONES.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal.  Deserted  December  30,  1862. 

CORPORAL  GEORGE  McCANDLISH.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  April 
30,  1864. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  A.  SMITH.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  Au 
gust  14,  1862.  Discharged  for  disability  April  23,  1864. 

CORPORAL  BENJAMIN  F.  FAHNESTOCK.  Enlisted  from 
Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal.  Discharged  for  dis 
ability  December  28,  1862. 

CORPORAL  STEPHEN  MASON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August 
14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal.  Was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Dis 
charged  for  disability  August  27,  1863. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  CUNLIFF.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  farmer;  appointed  Corporal.  Marched  to  Tompkins- 
ville,  Ky.;  taken  sick  and  died  there,  December  30,  1862. 

CORPORAL  CALVIN  BROCK.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14, 
1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  sick  in  hospital  much  of  the  time  up 
to  July  20,  1864;  returned  to  the  company  and  did  good  service 
before  Atlanta.  Was  in  the  subsequent  campaigns  of  the  Regiment. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  DANIEL  B.  DAUGHERTY.  Age  21;  born  in  Nich 
olas  County,  Ky.;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
promoted  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  took  part  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  being  present  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Taken 
sick;  discharged  for  disability  November  23,  1863,  and  died  on  his 
way  home.  Noted  for  being  a  fine  marksman  and  soldier. 

CORPORAL  LEWIS  DIEFFENBACH.  Enlisted  from  Osage, 
August  14,  1862;  farmer;- promoted  Corporal;  was  at  Hartsville;  dis 
charged  for  disability  December  23,  1863. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  HURST.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August 
14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  northward  to  Bentonville.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Cleveland,  Minn. 

CORPORAL  AMOS  L.  MASON.  Age  17;  born  in  Clinton  County, 
Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  promoted 
Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 


452  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  - 
Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas. 
Wounded  at  Bentonville,  March  19,  1865.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lived  at  Stuart,  Smith  County,  Kansas.  Died  April  3,  1895. 

CORPORAL  GEORGE  MUSHBERGER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce 
August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns  and  battles.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles.  Was 
wounded  July  21,  1864,  in  the  right  shoulder.  He  was  a  brave  soldier. 
Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  SAMUEL  M.  ZELUFF.  Age  20;  born  in  Rutland, 
La  Salle  County;  farmer;  enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville 
and  wounded  there;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge;  promoted  Corporal;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Contracted  consumption 
in  the  army  and  died  in  Grant  City,  Mo.,  August  11,  1884.  Was 
P.  M.  at  time  of  his  death. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  SPENCER,  JR.  Enlisted  from  Bruce 
August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed  December  7,  1862. 

JEREMIAH  HOPPLE.  Musician.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August 
14,  1862.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  August  26,  1864. 

GERARD  HART.  Musician.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14, 
1862.  Mustered  out  June  12,  1865. 

HENRY  ACKERMAN.  Age  23;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;, 
enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  severely  wounded  at  Hartsville,  having  two  ribs  cut  off,  but 
recovered  and  was  in  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,. 
1865.  Lives  at  Grant,  Iowa.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOSHUA  AYERS.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  he  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga.  At  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its 
battles.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
northwards  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Mount  Auburn,  Iowa. 

ISAAC  S.  AYERS.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  a  good  soldier.  Discharged  for 
disability  February  5,  1864. 

WILLIAM  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma,  Chickamauga  and 
Atlanta  campaigns  and  their  battles,  besides,  was  at  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and 
northwards.  Was  never  absent.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives' 
in  Streator,  111. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  453 

REES  BROCK.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  farmer; 
took  part  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
where  he  was  killed  December  7,  1862. 

EZEKIEL  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Newton  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded.  Deserted  December  26,  1862. 

ABNER  W.  BUCKNER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862. 
Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  wounded  at  Hartsville.  Died 
at  Camp  Chase,  Ohio,  January  27,  1863. 

WILLIAM  BURNS.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign,  a  good  soldier.  Discharged  for  disability 
April  27,  1863. 

JOSEPH  BARNHART.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River  August  14, 
1862.  Deserted  December  26,  1862. 

ROBERT  BURTWELL. .  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Streator.  111. 

WILLIAM  COOPER.  Age  20;  -born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at 
Hartsville;  also  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  his  hearing 
was  destroyed  by  a  cannon  ball.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  January 
30,1864.  Discharged  June  29,  1865.  Lives  near  Streator.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOHN  COOPER.  Age  23;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  present  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Mustered  out 
July  2,  1865.  Lives  near  Kernan,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

ORRIN  CLARK.  Age  24;  born  in  New  York;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  took  part  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns,  at  Elk  River,  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  latter  he  was  wounded  in  the  leg 
and  captured;  sent  to  prison  at  Atlanta  and  Richmond,  where  he 
remained  for  five  months  with  the  bullet  unextracted;  the  rebel 
surgeons  refusing  to  operate.  Was  then  exchanged  and  discharged 
for  wound,  June  15,  1864.  The  bullet  was  finally  extracted  by^  a 
doctor,  but  Mr.  Clark  is  a  cripple  for  life.  Lives  at  Homer,  Mich. 

WILLIAM  CADWELL.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  November  16,  1863. 

OLIVER  DIEFFENBAUGH.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  and  their  battles.  Was  at 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  northwards  to  Bentonville.  Always  present  for 
duty.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

'JOHN  K.  EWING.  Enlisted  from  Magnolia  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  disabled  by  a 
limb,  cut  off  by  a  cannon  ball;  was  placed  on  light  duty.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Iowa. 

EDWARD  EBERHART.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14.  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 


454  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  and 
Kenesaw  Mountain.  Killed  in  front  of  the  latter,  July  29,  1864.  His 
death  was  much  lamented  as  he  had  endeared  himself  to  all  his 
company. 

WILLIAM  FLANNIGAN.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns:  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  or 
Chickamauga,  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville. 
He  was  a  soldier  who  knew  not  the  quality  of  fear.  Mustered  out, 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Nevada,  111. 

ISAAC  W.  GATCHELL.  Age  24;  born  in  Lincoln  County,  Me.;: 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  in  the  latter  battle.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in 
the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  near 
Pontiac,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

JAMES  M.  GATCHELL.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  from  Frankfort  to  Hartsville  and 
the  battle  there;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  was  at  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Was  badly  wounded 
in  right  hip  July  21,  1864,  while  on  the  skirmish  line  before  Atlanta, 
and  supposed  to  be  mortally  wounded;  was  sent  to  Nashville  and 
from  there  to  other  hospitals;  finally  discharged  for  wound,  March 
4,  1865.  Lives  near  Marseilles,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

SAMUEL  GREEN.  Age  32;  born  in  England;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Bruce  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  ankle. 
Discharged  April  27,  1863,  for  disability. 

WILLIAM  GOTTMAN.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign,  also  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign. 
Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  wounded  in  the  leg  at  Mission  Ridge. 
Mustered  out  June  9,  1865. 

CHRISTOPHER  HARBIT.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
deserted  December  26,  1862. 

HENRY  C.  HAMILTON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Died  in  Chicago,  April  23,  1863. 

WILLIAM  HEAD.  Age  21;  born  in  Newark,  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  December  23,  1862,  for 
disability.  Lives  at  Bedford,  Iowa.  In  the  insurance  business. 

JOHN  HOLLAND.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  all  the  battles  and  campaigns  of  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  HARBIT.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  March  20,  1863,  for  disability.. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  455 

TURK  HILL.  Age  21;  born  in  Stavanger,  Norway;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta, 
Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  18G5.  Dfed  June  12,  1894,  at  Otter  Creek,  his  home. 

ASBURY  HOUCHIN.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  11,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Was  a  good 
soldier.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

LEVI  HAINE.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids  August  11,  1862; 
deserted  January  1,  1863. 

WILLIAM  JEFFERSON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of 
Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  On 
July  21,  1864.  while  on  the  skirmish  line  in  front  of  Atlanta,  was 
killed  by  a  rebel  sharpshooter. 

HENRY  KEYES.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  May  5,  1863. 

JOHN  P.  JOHNSON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  In  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  that  of 
Chickamauga;  also  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Wounded  at  Utoy  Creek 
August  8,  1864.  Absent  at  muster  out  of  Regiment. 

ERNST  KEISER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  he  took 
part  in  the  campaigns  of  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SAMUEL  A.  KINER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  some  of  the  campaigns  and  was  a  prisoner  of  war  for  a  long  time. 
Mustered  out  May  30,  1865.  Lives  at  Otter,  111. 

JOSEPH  P.  KELLY.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
detailed  at  Savannah  in  the  Q.  M.  Department.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 

ALONZO  L.  LARKIN.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  February  1,  1863,  for 
disability. 

JOHN  W.  LAUGHLIN.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  the 
battles  of  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga,  Was  mortally 
wounded  in  the  latter  and  died  September  29,  1863,  in  the  rebel  field 
hospital. 

OLIVER  LARSON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  some 
years  ago  at  Pontiac,  111. 

JOHN  M'DOUGALL.  Born  in  Scotland;  enlisted  from  Bruce 
August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  march  through  Kentucky  and  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed  December  7,  1862.  A  man  of 
extraordinary  intelligence  and  had  the  courage  of  his  convictions. 


456  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

JOHN  MORRISON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  February  1,  1863,  for  disability. 

GEORGE  W.  MACKEY.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  April  27,  1863,  for 
disability. 

CHARLES  MACKEY.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma,  Chickamauga  and  Atlanta  campaigns,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865. 

EDWARD  McCASHLAND.  Age  25;  born  in  Wayne  County, 
Indiana;  was  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek, 
Jonesboro;  in  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  but  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Sutton,  Neb.  Is  a  farmer. 

SAMUEL  McCASHLAND.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga. 
At  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Peach 
Tree  Creek.  Wras  mortally  wounded  July  21st,  before  Atlanta,  and 
died  June  29,  1864. 

JOHN  C.  PRESSOR.  Age  20;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign;  at  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  the  siege  of  Atlanta, 
Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  near  Streator,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

ROBERT  POOL.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma, 
Chickamauga  and  Atlanta  campaigns  and  battles.  Was  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to 
Bentonville.  A  brave  soldier.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Otter,  111. 

GEORGE  C.  PRESSOR.  Enlisted  from  Bruce  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville; 
Not  now  alive.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SAMUEL  ROBERTS.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  all  the  campaigns  and  battles  and  a  good  soldier.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865. 

NICHOLAS  RUSH.  Age  18;  born  in  Switzerland;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
Discharged  January  6,  1863,  for  disability. 

THOMAS  RYERSON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  wounded  in  the  right  hip  by  a 
piece  of  shell  at  Hartsville.  Discharged  for  wound  April  27,  1863. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  457 

DAVID  RHODAHOFPER.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14, 
1862;  he  was  in  all  the  campaigns  and  battles  of  the  Regiment  and 
always  ready  for  duty.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SQUIRE  RUDE.  Age  25;  born  in  Illinois;  enlisted  from  Bruce. 
August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville;  also  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River;  in  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Taken  sick  and  left  at  Graysville,  Ga.  Discharged  for  disability 
March  7,  1865.  Lives  at  Pekin,  111. 

WARREN  ROCKWOOD.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  others  until  taken  sick. 
Discharged  February  15,  1865,  for  disability. 

THOMAS  THOMPSON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded,  the  ball  entering  left 
shoulder  and  coming  out  at  right.  Discharged  for  wound  January 
17,  1863. 

SAMUEL  N.  TRENARY.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  slightly  wounded;  took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns.  Was  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge;  was  mortally  wounded  in  the  latter  battle  and  died 
u,t  Cli&ttanooga,  December  5,  1863. 

JAMES  H.  WILKINSON.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  18G2; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  April 
30,  1864. 

WILLIAM  WOODBERRY.  Enlisted  from  Bruce,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  killed,  December  7,  1862.  A  good  man  and  soldier. 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  F. 

Total     enlistment 88 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 10 

Wounded    23 

Discharged  for  wounds 4 

Discharged  for  disability 19 

Died  of  disease 4 

Resigned    2 

Discharged  for  promotion 1 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 32 

Muetered  out  at  other  dates 5 

Absent,  wounded,  at  muster  out 1 

Deserted     5 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C 4 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 26 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


Company     G — How     and     Where   Organized — Roster  and   Biogra 
phies—Statistics. 


SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  G. 

This  fine  company  was  recruited  largely  in  the 
township  of  Mission,  La  Salle  County,  but  contained 
representatives  from  Kendall  County  and  from  several 
other  toAvns  besides  Mission.  Johnson  Misner,  of 
Mission,  was  the  active  manager  in  raising  men. 
Lieutenant  Simpson  and  others  were  also  active,  so  that 
by  August  15, 1862,  the  ranks  were  full  and  the  organi 
zation  was  effected  at  once.  Johnson  Misner  was 
elected  Captain;  Kobert  V.  Simpson,  First  Lieutenant^ 
Samuel  J.  Haney,  Second  Lieutenant;  Selim  White 
was  appointed  First  Sergeant;  Myron  Newton,  John 
Jackson,  George  H.  Marlatt  and  Wesley  Misner,  Ser 
geants.  Asher  D.  Gibson,  William  Close,  Samuel  B. 
Porter,  John  Thorson,  Amos  E.  Brown,  Charles  B.  Cook, 
John  Blackburn  and  Samuel  B.  Buchanan,  Corporals. 

These  preliminaries  completed  the  company  went 
into  camp  at  Ottawa,  became  a  part  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth,  and  received  the  designation  of  "G." 
While  in  Camp  Wallace  the  company  drilled,  or 
attempted  to,  daily,  and  went  through  the  usual 
experience  of  green  recruits  in  the  first  days  of  military 
life,  but  the  material  for  good  soldiers  was  there  and 
some  of  the  stalwart  young  sons  of  the  prairies  made 
a  record  that  is  and  will  be  remembered  and  admired 
when  Vanderbilt  and  Gould  shall  be  forgotten.  On 
arriving  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  Company  G  marched  with 
the  Regiment  after  Bragg  to  Frankfort,  and  on  his 
retreat  went  to  Bowling  Green  and  from  there  to  Harts- 
ville,  Tenn.  On  that  disastrous  but  bloody  field,  only 
one-half  of  the  company  was  present  in  the  battle,  the 
other  one-half,  under  Captain  Misner,  being  on  detached 
duty  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.  Lieutenant  Simpson,  who  had 


P.  A.  Hawk.  Co.  G. 
M.  Bagwiil,  Co    G. 
W.  M.  Jones.  Co.  G. 


Serg.  G.  H.  Marlatt,  Co.  G. 
Corp.  J.  J.  Overmire,  Co  G 
H  Campbell,  Co.  G. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  459 

seen  service,  commanded  the  remnant  of  the  company 
and  all  the  men  fought  with  the  steadiness  and  bravery 
of  veterans.  The  heavy  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  in 
proportion  to  numbers,  tells  its  own  story.  The 
company  afterward  guarded  prisoners  at  Camp 
Douglas  until  April,  1863.  While  there  Lieutenant 
Simpson  resigned  April  4, 1863.  He  was  a  good  officer. 
Lieutenant  Haney  also  resigned  March  8,  1863.  Ser 
geant  White  and  James  P.  Rood  were  promoted  and 
commissioned  First  and  Second  Lieutenants.  In  April, 
1863,  the  Regiment  was  sent  again  to  the  front  and 
Company  G  shared  thenceforth  in  its  fortunes  in  over 
two  years  of  long  campaigns  and  fierce  battles  in 
Tennessee,  Georgia;  Alabama,  North  and  South 
Carolina.  After  the  Tullahoma  campaign,  during 
which  Captain  Misner  led  the  Company,  a  halt  was 
made  at  Decherd,  Tenn.,  and  there  Captain  Misner, 
owing  to  poor  health,  resigned,  July  22,  1863. 
Lieutenant  White  then  became  Captain  and  James  P. 
Rood  First  Lieutenant.  These  officers  led  the  company 
from  that  time  with  skill  and  credit,  but  it  is  no 
disparagement  to  them,  and  the  same  would  apply  to 
every  other  company,  to  say  that  hoAvever  brave, 
competent,  and  skillful  they  were,  the  ranks  of 
Company  G  contained  other  men  who  would  also  have 
filled  a  commissioned  office  with  credit.  It  was  this 
quality  of  material  that  made  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  renowned  as  a  fighting  regiment  and  added 
to  the  proud  record  of  each  company. 

ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  JOHNSON  MISNER.  Enlisted  from  Mission  in 
August,  1862;  was  prominent  in  raising  men  and  on  the  organization 
of  the  company  was  elected  Captain.  He  took  part  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  marched  to  Hartsville,  but  with  a  number  of  other 
officers  and  men,  was  sent  to  Gallatin  to  guard  trains  a  few  day>? 
before  the  battle.  On  the  return  of  the  Regiment  to  Tennessee  in 
1863,  Captain  Misner  commanded  his  Company  in  the  Tullahoma 
campaign  and  was  under  fire  at  Elk  River.  Owing  to  age  and  poor 
health  he  resigned  at  Decherd,  July  22,  1863;  returned  home  and 
afterwards  removed  to  Texas  for  his  health.  He  died  several 
years  ago. 

CAPTAIN  SELIM  WHITE.  Age  33;  .born  in  Tioga,  N.  Y.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  First 


460  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Sergeant  and  present  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Promoted  First 
Lieutenant  April  3,  1863;  took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign; 
was  at  Elk  River  and  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  he,  as  Captain,  having  been  commissioned  July 
22,  1863,  led  his  Company  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  He  was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  at  Castalia,  Dakota. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  ROBERT  V.  SIMPSON.  Enlisted  from 
Ottawa  in  August,  1862;  had  been  in  the  three  months'  service;  was 
elected  First  Lieutenant,  and  marched  with  the  company  through 
Kentucky  to  Hartsville,  where  he  commanded  on  that  occasion  with 
credit.  Resigned  at  Camp  Douglas,  April  4,  1863,  for  disability. 
Residence  unknown. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JAMES  P.  ROOD.  Enlisted  from 
Mission  as  a  private,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
appointed  and  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  March  3,  1863;  was 
in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  at  Elk  River.  Commissioned  First 
Lieutenant  July  22, 1863;  took  part  in  the  action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  He  performed  valuable  service  on  the  skirmish  lines 
around  Atlanta.  He  was  also  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville,  where  he  com 
manded  on  the  skirmish  line.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Residence, 
Moscow,  Idaho. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  SAMUEL  J.  HANEY.  Enlisted  from 
La  Salle  in  August,  1862;  elected  Second  Lieutenant  and  was  with  the 
Regiment  in  Kentucky  and  at  Hartsville.  Resigned  March  8,  1863, 
and  was  afterward  Captain  in  the  Fifty-third  Illinois;  died  of 
wounds,  July  24,  1864. 

SERGEANT  MYRON  NEWTON.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August 
9,  1862;  apointed  Sergeant.  Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the 
battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed,  December  7,  1862. 

SERGEANT  JOHN  JACKSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August 
14,  1862.  Discharged  October  1,  1862,  for  disability. 

SERGEANT  GEORGE  H.  MARLATT.  Enlisted  from  Grand 
Rapids,  August  9,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the 
battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  He  was  a  brave  soldier. 
Is  not  known  to  be  alive. 

SERGEANT  WESLEY  MISNER.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  at  Hartsville.  Took  part  in  the 
Chickamauga  campaign  and  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  461 

at  Bentonville  was  wounded  in  the  head;  was  promoted  First 
Sergeant,  and  one  who  never  had  any  trouble  with  his  men.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Died  some  years  ago  in  Texas. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  CLOSE.  Age  38;  born  in  Union  County, 
Pa.;  carpenter;  enlisted  from  Millington,  August  8,  1862;  appointed 
Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville; 
promoted  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  until  taken  sick 
and"  sent  to  Nashville.  Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps,  November  15, 
1863.  Discharged  from  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  July  5,  1865.. 
Lives  at  Sandwich,  111. 

SERGEANT  JOHN  THORSON.  Born  in  Norway.  Enlisted  from 
Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign; 
at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  promoted  Sergeant  for  merito 
rious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain.  Killed  at  Poach  Tree  Creek,  July  20,  1864.  He  was  a  brave  sol 
dier  and  could  divide  rations  with  exact  justice  to  all,  besides  per 
forming  his  other  duties  with  satisfaction. 

SERGEANT  CHARLES  B.  COOK.  Age  25;  born  in  Maine; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Millington,  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded 
slightly.  Promoted  Corporal  April  10,  1863;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sion  Ridge  and  the  skirmishes  following.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Slightly  wounded 
at  Mission  Ridge,  Kenesaw  and  Chickamauga.  After  the  fall  of 
Atlanta  was  furloughed  home,  and  unable  to  rejoin  Sherman,  was 
put  in  charge  of  a  detachment  and  sent  to  Washington,  where  lie 
rejoined  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out  as  Sergeant  for  meritorious 
services,  June  6,  1865.  Now  lives  at  Los  Angeles,  Cal.  Is  in  poor 
health. 

SERGEANT  JOHN  RUBLE.  Age  37;  born  in  Indiana;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Newark,  August  1,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,. 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and 
Utoy  Creeks,  August  7  and  13;  on  the  latter  date,  while  carrying 
the  flag,  was  severely  wounded  in  the  neck  and  sent  back  to  hos 
pital  at  Nashville.  Recovering  he  returned  to  Chattanooga;  h'nally 
ordered  to  take  charge  of  baggage  and  report  at  Washington.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  and  made  color  bearer  for  meritorious  services,  and 
now  has  the  order  in  his  possession.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  at  Mitchell,  S.  D.  Is  a  farmer  and  nearly  blind. 

SERGEANT  JAMES  L.  ROWE.  Age  28;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer; 
first  served  in  Company  H,  Eleventh  Illinois  Infantry,  for  three 
months.  Discharged  July  30,  1861;  enlisted  in  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth  August '15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Promoted  Sergeant  for  mer 
itorious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 


462  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood  and  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  James  L.  Rowe  was  always  cool  in  battle  and 
would  never  run.  Now  lives  at  Sheridan,  111.,  and  a  constant  sufferer 
from  disease  contracted  in  the  earmy. 

CORPORAL  ASHER  D.  GIBSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  Au 
gust  15,  1862;  promoted  Quartermaster  Sergeant,  and  served  ably 
until  mustered  out  June  14,  1865.  Lives  in  California.  See  N.  C. 
Staff. 

CORPORAL  SAMUEL  B.  PORTER.  Age  28;  born  in  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  wounded  in  the  arm.  Was  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro. 
Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas;  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  near 
Great  Falls,  Mont.  Is  a  farmer. 

CORPORAL  AMOS  E.  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August 
10,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Dis 
charged  May  11,  1863,  for  disability. 

CORPORAL  JOHN  BLACKBURN.  Age  40;  born  in  Pennsyl 
vania;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Pall  River,  August  14,  1862;  appointed 
Corporal;  was  at  Hartsville,  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign;  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Dorchester,  Neb. 

CORPORAL  CORNELIUS  C.  COURTRIGHT.  Age  17;  born  in 
Newark,  Kendall  County,  111.;  farmer;  enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge; 
was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  Benton 
ville.  Mustered  out  as  Corporal  for  meritorious  services,  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  at  Newark.  Is  a  farmer. 

CORPORAL  JACOB  F.  DIEHL.  Age  19;  born  in  Ohio;  enlisted 
from  Farm  Ridge,  July  25,  1862;  farmer;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Promoted 
Corporal  for  meritorious  services.  Was  at  Resaca  and  Peach  Tree 
Creek;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas:  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives 
at  Nelson,  Neb.  Is  a  farmer. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  C.  DEEGAN.  Age  16;  born  in  New  York; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  14,  1862,  from  Ottawa;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville  and  wounded  in  the  shoulder.  In  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain; 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS,  463 

in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  He  never  missed  a  skirmish  or 
battle.  Lives  at  Ransom,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

CORPORAL  GEORGE  T.  LEWIS.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  Au 
gust  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  promoted  .Corporal. 
Discharged  for  disability  August  11,  1863. 

CORPORAL  DANIEL  MASON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August 
15,  1862;  farmer;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  pro 
moted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca.  Wounded  seriously  in  the  latter 
battle,  losing  a  leg  in  consequence.  Discharged  January  6,  1865,  on 
account  of  wound.  Lives  at  Ottawa,  111. 

CORPORAL  JACOB  J.  OVERMIRE.  Age  20;  born  in  Perry 
County,  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  at  Chickamauga  wounded  in  the  arm. 
Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Ben 
tonville.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services  February  1, 
1865.  Always  to  be  depended  on  in  a  tight  place.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Templeton,  la. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  POWERS.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August 
15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville; 
in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads.  Was  at  Chicka- 
roauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  and  its  battles,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious  serv 
ices.  Always  on  hand.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

WILLIAM  J.  PORTER.  Age  23;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Fall  River,  August  14,  1862,  as  musician;  was  at  Hartsville;  in 
the  Tullahoma,  Chickamauga  and  Atlanta  campaigns.  On  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lived  at  Marseilles,  111.,  until  his  death,  January  19,  1893.  He 
was  highly  regarded. 

SAMUEL  FULLERTON.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August 
14,  1862;  was  wagoner.  Discharged  April  6,  1864,  for  disability. 

SAMUEL  B.  BUCHANAN.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August 
14,  1862;  deserted  January  1,  1863. 

JOHN  BAILEY.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  May  4,  1863,  on  account  of  wounds. 
Lives  in  Ottawa,  111. 

EDWARD  S.  BULLARD.  Age  26;  born  in  Kendall  County,  111.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  and  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Mustered  out  May  30,  1865. 
Lives  at  Millbrook,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

MARSHALL  BAGWILL.  Age  20;  born  in  Mission,  La  Salle 
County;  farmer;  enlisted  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  present  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  wounded 


464  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

slightly  at  Chickamauga,  but  not  enough  to  prevent  his  fighting  on: 
the  19th,  20th  and  21st,  during  which  he  fired  168  shots  at  the  enemy. 
Was  in  the  battle  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  and 
wounded  twice  quite  severely  in  the  last  in  the  grand  charge  up  the 
heights.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kene- 
saw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas; 
at  Bentonville.  He  saw  it  all  and  never  flinched.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Millington.  Is  a  farmer.  See  "Incidents." 

JOHN  BARR.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862.  Trans 
ferred  to  I.  C.,  November  1,  1863. 

ALBERT  F.  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  July  26,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability  May  11,  1863. 

ABEL  W.  CAMPBELL.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  August  14, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In 
the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads. 
Killed  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863. 

HAMILTON  CAMPBELL.  Age  19;  born  in  Fayette  County,  Pa. 
Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Jonesboro.  After  that  was  teamster 
and  in  all  the  campaigns  until  close  of  the  war.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865.  Lives  at  Anita,  la.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOHN  COX.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  marched 
with  the  Regiment  to  Frankfort,  Ky.;  taken  sick  and  died  there,  Oc 
tober  28,  1862.  His  was  the  first  death  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth. 

JAMES  C.  CARNES.  Age  21;  born  in  La  Salle  County;  farmer;, 
enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville;  at  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  South  Carolina.  Captured  with  Captain  Ross  at  Stroud's 
Mill,  S.  C.,  February  26,  1865.  Exchanged,  mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  at  Mitchell,  S.  D.  Is  a  farmer. 

HUGH  A.  DUMMIT.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  15, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville, 
where  he  was  killed,  December  7,  1862. 

JACOB  DEFFENBAUGH.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August 
14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River 
and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard 
Roost.  Received  a  mortal  wound  at  Resaca,  May  14,  1864.  Died  May 
23,  1864. 

PETER  DINGER.  Age  17;  born  in  New  York  City;  confectioner; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville,  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  465 

the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  North  and  South  Carolina.  While 
on  a  foraging  expedition  near  the  Great  Pedee  River,  N.  C.,  was 
captured  with  others,  the  rest  were  shot.  Dinger's  life  was  saved 
by  a  rebel  officer.  After  sixty  days  in  Libby,  he  was  exchanged  and 
mustered  out  May  24,  1865.  Lives  at  Oilman,  111.  See  "Incidents." 

ABRAHAM  J.  EASTWOOD.  Age  23;  born  in  Mission,  La  Salle 
County,  111.;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tulla- 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads 
and  Chickamauga.  In  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Discharged  for  disability  January  30,  1864.  Lives  at 
Streator,  111. 

BRADLEY  FROST.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged 
for  disability  January  16,  1863. 

BENJAMIN  S.  FULLERTON.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids, 
August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed  December  7,  1862. 

ORSENUS  B.  GILLHAM.  Age  21;  born  in  Madison  County,  111.; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
.Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and 
Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Afterwards  captured  by  Wheeler's  Cavalry 
and  sent  to  Libby  Prison;  exchanged;  mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 
Lives  at  Hubbard,  la.  Is  a  farmer. 

SAMUEL  B.  HANEY.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August 
14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
Discharged  for  disability  January  16,  1863;  was  highly  regarded  by 
his  Company. 

OLIVER  HARRIS.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14,  1862. 
Deserted  March  15,  1863. 

PHILIP  A.  HAWK.  Age  18;  born  in  Brown  County,  Ohio; 
farmer:  enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  2,  1862;  was  in  the  Tulla- 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Wounded  at  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863,  in  the  face  and  both 
legs,  but  was  able  to  limp  back  to  Rossville  and  from  there  to 
Chattanooga.  He  recovered  soon  and  went  on  duty.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kene 
saw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks;  was  slightly  wounded 
July  26,  in  front  of  Atlanta,  and  again  slightly  August  9,  at  Utoy 
Creek;  was  at  Jonesboro.  Was  sent  back  to  Nashville  for  horses  and 
mules  when  Hood  advanced,  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Kingston  and 
was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  He  was 
one  who  never  wanted  to  be  left.  Severely  wounded  at  Bentonville, 
March  19,  1865,  in  the  thigh,  and  sent  to  hospital.  Was  the  last  one 
of  the  Regiment  wounded  there.  Mustered  out  May  26,  1865.  Lives 
at  Mankato,  Jewell  County,  Kan.  Is  a  farmer.  See  "Incidents." 

MARTIN  HESS.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  de 
serted  January  20,  1863. 

WILLIAM  M.  JONES.  Age  16;  born  in  Pennsylvania;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  8,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville  and  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign.  Participated  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and 
Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 


466  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  latter  was  shot  in  left  arm,  which  was 
amputated.  Discharged  for  wound,  July  7,  1864.  Lives  at  Grand 
Ridge,  111. 

JACOB  JONES.  Enlisted  from  Farm  Ridge,  August  14,  1862. 
Deserted  January  1,  1863. 

HENRY  JACOB.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky,  Tullahoma,  Chickamauga  and  Atlanta  campaigns 
and  battles,  and  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  northwards.  A  good 
soldier.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  COON.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  Tullahoma  campaign.  Discharged  December 
3,  1863,  for  disability. 

JOSEPH  B.  LATHAM.'  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  left  sick  in  Chicago.  Was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Oregon. 

OSMAN  LARSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was 
killed,  December  7,  1862. 

JOHN  LOND.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  14,  1862;  dis 
charged  for  disability  October  1,  1862. 

OLIVER  LAWRENCE.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  in  the  subsequent  campaigns: 
wounded  at  Utoy  Creek,  August  7,  1864,  in  the  breast.  Carried  a 
heavy  knapsack,  but  kept  up  with  the  procession;  was  in  all  the 
battles.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CHARLES  McCLARY.  Age  24;  born  in  La  Salle  County;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  Creek.  Sent  back  sick.  Rejoined  Regiment  in  Savannah 
and  was  in  the  Carolina  campaign.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives 
at  Dwight,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

WILLIAM  M'KINNELL.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  8,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville.  Was  a  prisoner  also.  Mustered  out  May  24,  1865. 

JEPTHA  H.  MISNER.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  for  disability  January 
16,  1863. 

JOHN  H.  MISNER.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  12,  1862. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Coal  City,  111. 

PETER  MOLITAIRE.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  11,  1862. 
Deserted  January  20,  1863. 

JAMES  NEWMAN.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862.  De 
serted  January  1,  1863. 

JACOB  NELSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  his 
right  arm  was  broken.  Died  of  wound  in  Chicago,  May  2,  1863. 

ISAAC  NEWTON.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  as  far  as  Tompkinsville,  Ky.,  where  he  was  taken 
sick  and  died  November  26,  1862. 

CANUTE  C.  NELSON.  Age  16;  born  in  La  Salle  County;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Mission,  August  11,  1862;  was  thrown  from  the  train 
near  Jeffersonville  in  crossing  a  bridge  and  badly  injured,  but  re 
covered  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  those  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Taken  sick,  partly  as 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  467 

the  result  of  injuries  and  discharged  May  30,  1864;    has  suffered  ever 
since.    Lives  at  Randall,  la.    Is  a  farmer. 

ANTHONY  OBERST.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky. campaign  and  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  where 
he  was  killed  December  7,  1862. 

FRANK  L.  POUND.  Age  18;  born  in  Wayne  County,  N.  Y.;  en 
listed  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga. 
Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Ben- 
tonville.  Only  missed  Hartsville,  being  sick  at  the  time.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Aumsville,  Ore.  Is  a  merchant. 

JOHN  PALMER.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  killed 
December  7,  1862. 

JESSE  RIDDLE.     Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was 

in  the  Kentucky  campaign.    Discharged  for  disability,  May  11,  1863. 

JACOB  RITTER.     Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was 

teamster  and  always  attentive  to  duty.    He  was  in  all  the  campaigns. 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  W.  ROSMARSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  discharged  for  disability  May 
11,  1863. 

ERASMUS  ROSMARSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15, 
1862.  Marched  with  the  Regiment  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  where 
he  was  taken  sick  and  died  November  13,  1862. 

HARVEY  A.  ROOD.  Age  17;  born  in  Mission,  La  Salle  County. 
Was  with  the  Regiment  until  the  battle  of  Bentonville,  March  19, 
1865,  when  he  was  taken  prisoner.  Exchanged  and  mustered  out 
June  9,  1865.  Lives  near  Seneca,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

ALFRED  ROWS.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  he 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability,  August 
23,  1863. 

OLE  RICHARDSON.  Age  20;  born  in  Mission,  La  Salle  County; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the 
actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  he  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the 
battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas.  Was  never  in  hospital.  Mustered  out 
June  6, 1865.  Lives  at  Fairmont,  Neb.  Is  a  contractor. 

JOHN  SWANSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862. 
Discharged  for  disability  October  1,  1862. 

ANDREW  S.  SIBERT.  Enlisted  from  Grand  Rapids,  August 
11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns,  and  wounded  at  Chickamauga.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  and  ita battles;  on  the  mrch  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  He  was  in  all  the  battles.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865. 

THOMAS  STEVENSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862. 
Deserted  March  15,  1863. 


468  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

TUNIS  S.  SERSINE.  Age  19;  born  in  Fox  Township,  Kendall 
County,  111.;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  was  wounded  in  the  arm.  He  was  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads.  In  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  he  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  leg,  September  20th,  and  unable  to  move  was  left  on  the 
field,  which  was  occupied  by  the  rebels.  There  he  remained  and 
lived — strange  as  it  may  seem — until  the  ninth  day,  and  had  no 
nourishment  except  a  little  hard  tack  and  water.  On  the  ninth  day 
he  was  rescued  by  one  of  our  ambulances  under  a  flag  of  truce,  takeu 
to  Chattanooga,  operated  upon  and  finally  sent  home  on  a  cot;  lay 
in  bed  seventeen  months;  was  under  doctor's  care  for  six  years  and 
always  suffered  afterwards.  Lives  at  Millington,  111.,  a  striking 
example  of  the  cruelty  of  war  and  of  his  own  tenacity  of  life.  Absent, 
sick,  at  muster  out  of  Regiment. 

EPHRAIM  SCOTT.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  that  of  Chickamauga.  At  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and 
battles,  and  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  northwards.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865. 

SIMON  SAMPSON.  Enlisted  from  North ville,  August  11,  1862; 
was  company  cook  and  pleased  the  men  in  dividing  rations  and  feed 
ing  them  on  the  skirmish  line  at  personal  risk  and  occasional  loss 
of  a  kettle  knocked  over  by  a  cannon  ball.  Mustered  out  June  6, 1865. 
Lives  at  Kernan,  111. 

JOHN  THOMAS.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he 
was  mortally  wounded.  Died  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  January  13,  1863. 

EDWARD  H.  THORSON.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns.  Taken  sick  and  died  at  Nashville,  January  3, 
1864. 

ALONZO  A.  TICE.  Age  18;  born  in  Michigan;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Marseilles,  August  15,  1862;  marched  to  Frankfort,  Ky.;  taken 
sick;  sent  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  Discharged  November  30,  1862; 
disability.  Lives  at  Marseilles,  111.  Is  a  machinist. 

LEWIS  E.  TICE.  Age  20;  born  in  Michigan;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Marseilles,  August  15,  1862;  marched  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky. 
Taken  sick  and  left  there.  Discharged  November  30,  1862;  dis 
ability.  Lives  at  Marseilles. 

LEVI  W.  TICE.  Age  20;  born  in  Michigan;  one  of  twins;  en 
listed  August  15,-  1862;  marched  to  Bowling  Green;  taken  sick;  dis 
charged  November  30,  1862;  died  on  his  way  home. 

JOHN  K.  WRIGHT.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  I.  C.,  November 
1,  1863. 

AARON  WILKINSON.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  died  at  Nashville,  March  6,  1863. 

WILLIAM  WEIDNECHT.  Age  23;  born  in  France;  farmer;  en 
listed  from  Ottawa,  August  15,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was 
present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Took  part  in  the  march  to  the  sea, 
through  the  Carolinas  and  was  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  469 

JOHN  M.  WALKER.  Enlisted  from  Mission,  August  15,  1862; 
was  on  the  march  to  Bowling  Green  and  Tompkinsville,  Ky.;  taken 
sick;  died  at  the  latter  place  November  27,  1862. 

RECRUITS. 

JOHN  H.  CAMPBELL.  Age  18;  born  in  Fayette  County,  Pa.; 
clerk;  enlisted  from  Fall  River,  January  4,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church  and  Kenesaw  Mountain;  in  front  of  Atlanta,  at  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Utoy  Creek  and  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville, 
where  he  fired  his  last  shot.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois 
Infantry.  Mustered  out  July  12,  1865.  Lives  in  Streator,  111.  In 
hardware  trade. 

THEODORE  C.  FULLERTON.  Enlisted  from  Fall  River,  Jan 
uary  4,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Transferred  to 
Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Was  a  good  shot.  Mustered  out 
July  12,  1865. 

JOHN  C.  GILLHAM.  Age  19;  born  in  Madison  County,  111.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Fall  River,  January  4,  1864;  joined  the  Regi 
ment  at  Nashville;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Ben 
tonville.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Mustered 
out  July  12,  1865.  Lives  at  Radcliff,  la. 

GEORGE  D.  MISNER.  Age  30;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Joliet,  February  12,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and 
present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pur 
suit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas; 
was  at  Bentonville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  ankle.  Trans 
ferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Mustered  out  July  12, 
1865.  Lives  at  Lewis,  Kan.,  and  is  a  merchant. 

LARS  RICHARDSON.  Enlisted  from  Belvidere,  March  2,  1865. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Mustered  out  July 
12,  1865. 

JOHN  RICHARDSON.  Enlisted  from  Flora,  March  2,  1865. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Mustered  out  July 
12,  1865.  Lives  at  Ottawa,  111. 


470  THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

.  STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY.  G. 

Total  enlistment 96 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 11 

Wounded 13 

Discharged   for  wounds 4 

Discharged  for  disability 18 

Died  of  disease 6 

Resigned  for  disability 3 

Promoted  Quartermaster  Sergeant 1 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 30 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 8 

Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps 3 

Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry 5 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out „ 1 

Deserted 7 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) . .  37 


Capt.  0    M.  Southwell.  Co.  H. 
Corp    J    S.  Work,  Co.  H. 
Capt.  L    Ludington,  Co    H. 


C.  G.  Philips,  Co.  D. 
Corp    S.  Brown,  Co.  H. 
Lieut.  O.S.  Davidson,  Co. 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 


Company    H — How     and     Where  Organized — Roster  and  Biogra 
phies—Statistics. 


SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  H. 

This  company  was  recruited  in  the  early  part  of 
August,  1862,  in  the  southwest  part  of  La  Salle  County, 
largely  in  the  township  of  Osage.  Lewis  Ludington  was 
the  prime  mover  in  getting  men  to  enlist.  There  was  no 
difficulty  in  filling  the  ranks,  that  section  of  the  county 
being  intensely  patriotic  and  fully  aroused  to  the  grav 
ity  of  the  National  crisis.  The  company  was  organized 
by  the  election  of  Lewis  Ludington  Captain,  Orrin  S. 
Davidson  First  Lieutenant,  John  N.  Wood  Second  Lieu 
tenant.  Orrin  M.  Southwell  was  appointed  First  Ser 
geant;  Austin  H.  Fowler,  William  C.  Ream,  Francis  II. 
Stire  and  James  S.  Doolittle  were  appointed  Sergeants. 
The  following  were  appointed  Corporals:  Samson  H. 
Cunningham,  Isaac  Vaughn,  John  G.  Dillman,  Egbert 
S.  Dresser,  Ira  C.  McConnell,  James  S.  Work,  Allen 
McGill  and  Reuben  Downey.  With  this  organization 
the  company  was  marshaled  at  Ottawa  and  in  the  reg 
imental  roster  was  designated  as  "H."  While  await 
ing  orders  at  Camp  Wallace  the  time  was  spent  in  drill 
ing  and  acquiring  an  elementary  knowledge  of  a  sol 
dier's  life,  very  elementary,  too,  was  the  education 
received  in  the  short  period,  but  it  was  a  beginning 
in  the  school  of  the  soldier  without  arms.  The  acorns 
planted  there  by  this  and  other  companies  grew  into 
oaks,  destined  in  their  fuller  growth  to  stand  unshaken 
the  storm  of  battle,  with  now  and  then  a  giant  slain 
or  riven  by  the  blast.  Going  with  the  Regiment  to  the 
front  in  September,  1862,  Company  H  marched  through 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  to  Hartsville.  On  that  bloody 
field  James  M.  Porter,  Alvin  A.  Myers  and  Henry  Will- 
arise  were  struck  down  bv  the  enemv's  bullets  to  rise 


472  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

no  more;  others  were  wounded,  and  X.  Wolff,  still  liv 
ing,  carries  a  rebel  bullet  in  his  body  as  a  reminder 
of  Hartsville.  At  Chickamauga  Captain  Ludington, 
Lieutenant  Southwell  and  others  were  wounded.  The 
company  took  part  in  the  glorious  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  but  lost  in  the  latter  the 
brave  Lieutenant  Davidson.  In  the  one  hundred  and 
twenty  days  of  the  Atlanta  campaign  Company  H  was 
always  present  wherever  duty  called,  contributing  to 
the  glorious  results  and  building  up  her  own  record 
and  that  of  the  Regiment  on  every  battlefield.  Officers 
and  men  had  fallen  from  her  ranks,  but  the  living  took 
their  places  and  marched  on  to  the  sea  with  Sherman's 
hosts,  thence  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville,  the 
last  and  one  of  the  decisive  battles  of  the  war. 

ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  LEWIS  LUDINGTON.  Age  24;  born  in  Ludington- 
ville,  N.  Y.  Enlisted  from  Osage  Township,  August  5,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  when  command 
ing  Company  H,  he  carried  on  an  independent  fight  and  was  the  last 
to  surrender.  The  scene  of  this  combat  was  called  the  "bull  pen." 
He  was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  and  at  Elk  River;  in  the  Chicka 
mauga  campaign  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  where  he  was  severely  wounded.  Resigned  on  account  of 
wound,  January  16,  1864,  and  was  ranking  Captain  at  the  time.  Cap 
tain  Ludington  was  a  good  officer  and  his  loss  regretted.  After  the 
war  he  lived  at  Bloomington  for  a  time,  then  in  DeWitt  County, 
111.,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature.  Now  lives  in  Lafay 
ette,  Ind. 

CAPTAIN  ORRIN  M.  SOUTHWELL.  Age  27;  born  in  Romeo, 
Mich.  Enlisted  from  Evans,  August  5,  1862;  appointed  First  Serr 
geant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville. 
Promoted  Second  Lieutenant,  commission  dated  February  28,  1863; 
was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was 
wounded.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant,  December  5,  1863;  Captain, 
January  16,  1864.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  before  which  he  was 
severely  wounded,  June  18,  1864.  Resigned  on  account  of  wounds, 
December  19,  1864.  Died  February  21,  1879.  Captain  Southwell  was 
a  brave  and  able  officer,  most  highly  esteemed  by  all. 

CAPTAIN  ISAAC  VAUGHN.  Age  31;  born  in  Trumbull  County, 
Ohio;  carpenter;  enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862;  appointed 
Second  Corporal  and  Sergeant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  also 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant,  January  16, 
1864.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  473 

Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw,  where,  on 
Captain  Southwell  being  wounded,  he  took  command  of  the  com 
pany;  he  was  at  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks  and  Jonesboro;  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas; 
at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865,  as  First  Lieutenant. 
Lives  at  Wenona  and  is  in  the  drug  business. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  ORRIN  S.  DAVIDSON.  Enlisted  from 
Osage,  August  5,  1862;  elected  First  Lieutenant;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka- 
mauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads.  In  the 
battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  where  he  was  mor 
tally  wounded  in  the  charge  and  died  soon  after.  He  was  a  brave 
man  and  a  good  officer,  whose  loss  was  deeply  felt  by  the  Company 
and  Regiment. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  G.  DILLMAN.  Enlisted  from 
Osage,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Third  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  promoted  Sergeant.  Was  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns.  In  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  on  the  march  after  Hood 
and  to  the  sea;  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Commis 
sioned  First  Lieutenant,  December  19,  1864.  Mustered  out  as  First 
Sergeant,  June  6,  1865.  Died  in  1893. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  N.  WOOD.  Age  44;  born  in 
Fayette  County,  Pa.;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862; 
elected  Lieutenant.  Was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville.  Resigned  February  28,  1863.  Lives  in  Wenona,  111. 
Retired  from  business. 

SERGEANT  AUSTIN  H.  FOWLER.     See  N.  C.  Staff. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  C.  REAM.  Age  24;  born  in  Ohio;  en 
listed  from  Wenona,  August  5,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River. 
•Discharged  August  22,  1863,  as  First  Sergeant,  for  promotion  in 
United  States  Colored  troops.  Was  Second  and  First  Lieutenant; 
and  in  the  battle  of  Nashville,  wounded;  served  four  years  and  four 
months.  Lives  in  Joliet,  111. 

SERGEANT  FRANCIS  H.  STIRE.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August 
6,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  all 
the  campaigns  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth.  The  organizer  and 
leader  of  the  Regimental  band.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Resi 
dence  is  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

SERGEANT  JAMES  S.  DOOLITTLE.  Enlisted  from  Osage, 
August  15,  1862.  Discharged  December  4,  1862;  disability. 

SERGEANT  SAMSON  H.  CUNNINGHAM.  Enlisted  from 
Osage,  August  7,  1862;  appointed  Corporal.  In  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865,  as  Sergeant.  Lives  at  Hennepin,  111. 

SERGEANT  EGBERT  S.  DRESSER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  Au 
gust  7,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga. 
At  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Ben 
tonville.  Promoted  Sergeant.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 


474  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

SERGEANT  REUBEN  DOWNEY.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August 
16,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the 
actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chicka- 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Promoted  Ser 
geant.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  IRA  C.  M'CONNELL.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  Au 
gust  11,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  Mustered  out  June  6, 1865. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  S.  WORK.  Age  23;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Wenona,  August  6,  1862;  was  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads 
and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge,  and  the  skirmishes  following.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign,  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Took  part  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
the  march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Always  ready  for 
any  duty.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Wenona,  111.  Is  a 
farmer. 

CORPORAL  ALLEN  McGILL.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga. 
At  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  K.  BOSHELL.  Enlisted  from  Wenona,  Au 
gust  9,  1862;  farmer;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  at 
Great  Bend,  Kan.,  February  19,  1889. 

CORPORAL  SAMUEL  BROWN.  Age  21;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Osage,  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of 
Hartsville,  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Now  lives  in  Chicago.  In  the  livery  stable  business.  Was  a  model 
soldier  and  loyal  friend. 

WILLIAM  D.  EARL.  Musician.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August 
6,  1862.  Discharged  August  28,  1863;  disability. 

JOHN  W.  PHILSON.  Musician.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August 
9,  1862;  was  in  all  the  campaigns  and  battles  of  the  Regiment.  Lives 
in  Iowa  or  Nebraska.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  475 

JOSEPH  M.  SONGER.  Wagoner.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August 
13,  1862.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

THOMAS  ADAMS.  Age  27;  born  in  Ireland;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  In  a  letter  to  the  writer,  Mr. 
Adams  naively  says:  "Was  never  wounded,  but  a  good  many  times 
thought  I  was."  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  Postmaster  at  Gas- 
kill,  Kan. 

GEORGE  C.  ARMSTRONG.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15, 
1862;  deserted  March  15,  1863. 

REUBEN  BALDWIN.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Died  at 
Chicago,  September  7,  1863. 

VALENTINE  BINGENHEIMER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August 
6,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge, 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  and  all  the  battles  before  Atlanta;  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  in  the  Carolina  campaign.  Mustered  out  June 
6, 1865. 

Z.  P.  BECKWITH.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862;  dis 
charged  December  15,  1862;  disability.  Not  now  alive. 

JAMES  H.  BANE.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  3,  1862;  was 
teamster.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Dana,  111. 

MORRIS  M.  BOSLEY.  Enlisted  from  Putnam  County,  August 
9,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville.  Discharged  March  4,  1863;  disability. 

JOHN  W.  BECKWITH,  Enlisted  August  6,  1862.  Died  Novem 
ber  18,  1862. 

SAMUEL  BALL.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  was  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865. 

HARVEY  M.  BOSLEY.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  April  1, 
1865. 

WILLIAM  S.  BOSLEY.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  September  1,  1864. 

JOHN  W.  CHAMP.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  7,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged 
April  14,  1863;  disability. 

WILLIAM  L.  CHALFANT.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  discharged  June  13,  1863;  disability. 

JAMES  W.  DANIELS.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  7,  1862. 
Died  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  December  25,  1862. 

STEPHEN  H.  DEAN.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Divis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 


476  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  in  the 
Carolina  campaign;  at  Bentonville.    Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SOLOMON  N.  DOWNEY.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862. 
Detached  at  muster  out  of  Regiment. 

GEORGE  DIXON.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of 
Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads.  In  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Discharged  December  21, 
1863;  disability.  Lives  at  Melvin,  111. 

GEORGE  W.  DICUS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  June  21,  1863. 

WILLIAM  P.  DILLMAN.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  December  3,  1863;  dis 
ability. 

JOHN  ELY.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Died  at  Chicago,  March  4,  1863. 

JOHN  EVERITT.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  where  he  was  wounded,  August 
11,  1864.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas: 
at  Bentonville.  Brave  in  battle.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

NATHANIEL  EMERICH.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

HENRY  R.  ELLIS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga;  at  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro. 
Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Cornell,  111. 

JONATHAN  W.  FLAGG.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  7,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Absent  from  company  at  muster 
out;  detailed  in  hospital. 

TRIMBLE  FEAGINS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  8,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Dead. 

ISAAC  FRANK.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  14,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Absent,  sick,  at 
muster  out  of  Regiment. 

WILLIAM  W.  GRAVES.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville,  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  and  all  its  battles.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

GEORGE  W.  GRIFFIN.  Age  17;  born  in  Marshall  County,  111.; 
enlisted  from  Osage,  August  10,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of  Harts- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  471 

ville  and  Mission  Ridge.  Taken  sick  and  sent  to  hospital;  had  been 
poisoned  at  Louisville  by  a  pie  peddler.  Discharged  September  30, 
1864;  disability.  Lives  near  Magnolia,  111. 

BENJ.  F.  HARDING.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged 
August  15,  1863;  disability. 

FRANCIS  E.  HOGLIN.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862. 
Discharged  October  24,  1862;  disability. 

JACOB  P.  HUNT.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  where  he  was  mortally  wounded 
June  2, 1864,  and  died  at  Ackworth,  Ga.,  July  7, 1864. 

WILLIAM  J.  HUNT.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Discharged  De 
cember  21,  1863;  disability. 

SAMUEL  M.  HUNT.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  12,  1862.  Not 
mustered  in. 

GEORGE  W.  HAMMITT.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  the  battles  of  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  hand. 
Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ELISHA  INKS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862;  deserted 
March  13,  1863. 

ROSWELL  JACOBS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  Hartsville;  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign,  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga. 
In  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks.  Wounded  at  the  latter  place,  August 
7,  1864.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  1,  1865. 

JAMES  KIRKPATRICK.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862; 
was  in  a  part  of  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Taken  sick  and  died  at 
Bowling  Green,  December  12,  1862. 

WILLIAM  M.  LAUGHMAN.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  5, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Detailed  in  hospital  April, 
1864,  and  absent  at  muster  out. 

ALVIN  A.  MYERS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign;  mortally  wounded  at  Hartsville.  Died  De 
cember  10,  1862. 

CHARLES  M.  MOORE.  Enlisted  from  Hope.  August  11,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the 
Tullahoma -and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  where  he  was  killed,  November  25,  1863. 
EDGAR  W.  MOSHER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  battles  of  Lookout 


478  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  where  he  was  wounded.  Was  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Caro- 
linas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ALEXANDER  P.  MILLER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6, 
1862;  was  at  Hartsville  and  in  all  the  campaigns  and  battles  of  the 
Regiment,  and  never  lost  his  nerve  in  battle.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 

HARRISON  MILLER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  March  10,  1865;  disability. 

EDWIN  a.  MOORE.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  15,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chicka- 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  in  front  of  which  he  was  wounded  June  18,  1862; 
Absent  sick  at  muster  out  of  Regiment.  Lives  in  Iowa. 

FRANKLIN  R.  MOODY.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  15,  1862; 
discharged  October  24,  1862;  disability. 

JAMES  W.  MILLER.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862.  Not 
mustered.  . 

HENRY  NELSON.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862;  was 
ir  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville. 
One  of  the  tried  and  true.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in 
Rutland.  111. 

LEVI  NELSON.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August,  12,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  slightly  wounded.  Deserted  December 
11,  1862. 

JOSEPH  T.  ODER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  11,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  He  was  on 
picket  and  fired  the  first  gun  that  announced  the  approach  of  John 
Morgan.  Oder  was  then  a  lad  of  sixteen  or  seventeen  summers  and 
then,  or  afterwards,  never  lost  his  nerve.  He  was  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge,  and  said  by  some  to  have  been  the  first  soldier 
from  the  Regiment  on  the  Ridge  in  the  grand  charge.  He  was  in 
the  battles  of  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  and 
on  the  march  to  the  sea.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JESSE  ONY.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  7,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  and  some  other  campaigns.  Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out 
of  Regiment. 

BENJAMIN  ONY.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862.  De 
serted  March  13,  1863. 

JAMES  M.  PORTER.  Enlisted  from  Marshall  County,  August 
6,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Harts 
ville,  where  he  was  mortally  wounded  and  died  December  11,  1862. 

ABRAHAM  PORTER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Wounded  in  the  head,  July 
18,  1864,  near  the  Chattahoochee.  He  was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  479 

the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SAMUEL  PORTER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  11,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Chicka- 
mauga  campaign  and  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  and  the  march  to  the  sea.  Discharged. 

JAMES  QUILL-EN.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  8,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro; 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  northwards 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Not  alive. 

NEWTON  RECTOR.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles,  and  on  the  march 
to  the  sea.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  March  15,  1865. 

NOAH  RILEY.  Enlisted  from  Magnolia,  August  12,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  soon  after  went 
to  hospital.  Discharged  June  24,  1864;  disability. 

DYER  S.  ROBERTS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862;  was 
left  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  sick;  never  after  with  the  company. 
Discharged  August  20,  1863;  disability.  Died  in  1894. 

ISRAEL  E.  RICHEY.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  northwards.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ISHAM  SMITH.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of 
Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
where  he  was  mortally  wounded,  being  struck  by  four  or  five  bullets. 
Died  at  Chattanooga,  October  10,  1863. 

CHRISTOPHER  SHORT.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles;  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben 
tonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JACOB  T.  SPRING.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  August  9,  1862;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Not  with 
the  Regiment  after  that.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JACOB  M.  SMITH.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Not  with  the 
Regiment  afterwards.  Died  at  home,  December  3,  1863. 

PETER  SIGG.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  11,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga.  Died  at  Chattanooga,  November  10,  1863. 

SYLVESTER  WAGONER.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  6, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga;  in  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sion  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 


480  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  A  brave  and  faithful  soldier. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Moved  to  Columbus,  Kan.,  and  died 
there  in  1886. 

XAVIER  WOLFF.  Age  26;  born  in  sunny  France.  Enlisted  from 
Wenona,  August  6,  1862;  he  took  part  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and 
battle  at  Hartsville,  where  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  hip, 
December  7,  1862.  Discharged  for  wound  November  10,  1863.  Lives 
in  Indianapolis,  Ind.  The  ball  has  never  been  extracted  and  Wolff 
suffers  much  from  it. 

HENRY  WILLAVISE.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  11,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was 
killed,  December  7,  1862. 

SAMUEL  C.  WOODRUFF.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  15, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles.  Took 
part  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

LEWIS  C.  WELLS.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  May  4,  1864;  disability. 
Lives  in  Illinois. 

THOMAS  WILSON.  Enlisted  from  Osage,  August  15,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  cam 
paigns.  Discharged  by  order  of  President  Lincoln,  direct,  April  25, 
1864,  on  account  of  family  afflictions.  Lives  at  Corning,  la. 

RECRUITS. 

MATTHEW  BROWN.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  February  23,  1864; 
was  wounded  at  Graysville,  Ga.,  in  April,  1864,  while  at  target  prac 
tice,  and  not  again  with  the  company.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth 
Illinois  Infantry. 

WILLIAM  O.  DILLMAN.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  February  12, 
1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kene 
saw  Mountain  and  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Taken  sick  and  died  in 
Louisville,  Ky.,  November  1,  1864. 

HENRY  S.  EVERITT.  Age  19;  born  in  Hope  Township,  La  Salle 
County.  Enlisted  February  19,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to 
Savannah  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Marched  to 
Washington  and  transferred  to  Company  E,  Thirty-fourth  Illinois 
Infantry.  Discharged  July  12,  1865.  Lives  at  Great  Bend,  Kan. 

CHARLES  E.  GRAVES.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  February  19,  1864; 
was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope 
Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  the  skirmishes 
following.  Was  killed  at  Utoy  Creek,  August  7,  1864. 

ISRAEL  JOHNSON.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  March  28,  1865;  never 
reported  to  the  company.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois 
Infantry. 

JOHN  E.  MERRITT.  Age  18;  born  in  Belmont  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Hope,  February  12,  1864.  Was  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  481 

•of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben- 
tonville.  He  was  cool  and  brave.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illi 
nois  Infantry.  Mustered  out  at  Louisville,  July  12,  1865.  Lives  at 
Wichita,  Kan.,  and  is  in  the  lumber  business.  See  "Incidents." 

CORPORAL  PARKER  P.  MILLS.  Enlisted  from  Hope,  February 
12,  1864.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Lives  in 
Illinois. 

CHARLES  H.  TURNER.  Age  21;  born  in  Fayette  County,  Pa. 
Enlisted  from  Hope,  January  12,  1864;  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  A  brave  soldier.  Transferred 
to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry.  Lives  at  Lostant,  111. 

JAMES  B.  WILLIAMSON.  Enlisted  from  Westfield,  February 
12,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth 
Illinois  Infantry. 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  H. 

Total  enlistment 100 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 8 

Wounded    11 

Resigned  for  wounds 2 

Resigned  for  disability 1 

Discharged  for  wounds 1 

Discharged  for  disability 18 

Died  of  disease 8 

Promoted  C.  S 1 

Discharged  for  promotion 1 

Deserted 4 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 56 

Mustered  out  by  order  of  the  President 1 

Not  mustered  in - 2 

Transferred   to  V.    R.    C 4 

Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry 7 

Detached  at  muster  out 1 

Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out 4 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 26 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 


Company     I— How     and     Where   Organized— Roster  and   Biogra 
phies—Statistics. 


SKETCH  OF  COMPANY  I. 

When  in  July,  1862,  the  proclamation  went  forth 
calling  for  more  volunteers  a  hearty  response  was  made 
everywhere,  but  in  no  section  of  the  county  more  ear- 
nestly  than  in  the  southwest  part,  which  had  been  set 
tled  largely  by  the  hardy  and  patriotic  sons  of  New 
England,  many  of  whom  were  the  descendants  of  Revo 
lutionary  sires.  Such  were  Wadleigh  and  Proctor,  who 
recruited  what  became  Company  I  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourth.  Between  the  1st  and  15th  of  August,  1862r 
enough  men  had  been  enlisted  to  form  a  company.  It 
was  then  organized  by  the  election  of  John*  Wadleiglb 
as  Captain ;  Willard  Proctor,  First  Lieutenant ;  Charles 
E.  Webber,  Second  Lieutenant.  The  following  non 
commissioned  officers  were  appointed:  William  C.  F. 
Hempsteacl,  First  Sergeant;  Lorenzo  G.  Stout,  James 
M.  Wright,  Arthur  S.  Smith  and  Andrew  Moffitt,  Ser 
geants;  Elbrklge  Chapman,  Charles  L.  Bangs,  Timothy 
Powell,  Nelson  H.  Cooper,  Abram  A.  Vermilyea,  H. 
Perry  Hoge,  William  Cady  and  Charles  L.  Symonds, 
Corporals.  With  this  equipment  the  company  reported 
at  Ottawa  and  went  into  camp.  Captain  Wadleigh 
became  the  ranking  Captain  of  the  Regiment.  The 
company  soon  after  went  to  Louisville  and  shared  in 
all  the  marches  and  duties  of  the  command  in  the  Ken 
tucky  and  Tennessee  campaigns  and  at  Hartsville 
fought  ^vith  steady  bravery  against  superior  numbers. 
Two  men,  H.  W.  Traver  and  N.  Ellenbocker,  were  mor 
tally  wounded  and  thirteen  wounded.  While  at  Camp 
Douglas  in  the  winter  of  1863  Lieutenant  Webber  re 
signed  and  Sergeant  Wright  was  commissioned  Sec 
ond  Lieutenant.  Going  to  the  front  again  in  A.prilr 


Lieut.  J,  M.  Wright,  Co. 

J.  Bane,  Co.  I. 

Capt.  W.  Proctor,  Co.  I. 


M.  J.  Lane,   Co.  D. 
Corp.  W.  E.  Frink,  Co.  I 
D.  F.  Trask,  Co.  I. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  4S3T 

Company  I  was  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  with  the 
Regiment.  At  Decherd,  Captain  Wadleigh  resigned 
and  Lieutenant  Proctor  became  Captain.  Lieutenant 
Wright  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant.  'The 
future  history  of  the  company  from  the  beginning  of 
the  Chickamauga  campaign  was  one  in  which  every 
member  can  take  pride  when  he  reflects  on  the  part 
taken  at  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sion  Ridge,  and  in  the  one  hundred  and  twenty  day& 
of  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  its  battles.  In  all  thesey 
in  the  purusit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea,  through 
the  Carolinas,  and  at  Bentonville,  Company  I  bore  a 
prominent  part  that  reflected  the  highest  credit  on 
both  officers  and  men,  several  of  whom  were  distin 
guished  for  coolness  and  nerve,  bravery  and  enterprise, 
on  different  occasions. 

ROSTER  OP  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  JOHN  WADLEIGH.  Age  35;  born  in  New  Hamp 
shire;  he  came  to  Illinois  in  the  '40s  and  settled  in  or  near  Rut 
land,  La  Salle  County;  was  engaged  in  farming  until  1858,  when  he 
went  into  the  mercantile  business  in  Rutland  and  has  continued! 
in  it  ever  since.  When  the  war  came  he  recruited  a  company  for 
the  Thirty-third  Illinois  Infantry,  of  which  he  was  elected  Captain,, 
but  was  finally  unable  to  go  out  with  it  on  account  of  business  com 
plications.  In  August,  1862,  he  was  largely  instrumental  in  raising 
men  for  what  became  Company  I  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth, 
and  was  elected  Captain.  On  the  organization  of  the  Regiment  he 
became  ranking  Captain.  Going  to  the  front  Captain  Wadleigh 
was  with  his  company  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  where  he  did  all  that  man  could  do  to  stem  the 
tide  of  defeat.  When  the  Regiment  was  paroled,  the  field  officers, 
being  retained  as  prisoners  of  war,  Captain  Wadleigh  took  command 
of  the  Regiment.  At  Columbus,  O.,  he  secured  its  transfer  to  Camp- 
Douglas,  Chicago,  and  performed  valuable  services  in  reorganizing; 
the  command,  which  without  its  field  officers  had  become  scattered. 
When  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  returned  to  the  front  in  April, 
1863,  Captain  Wadleigh  accompanied  it  and  participated  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign.  His  health,  which  had  been  poor,  induced 
him  to  resign  at  Decherd,  Tenn.,  July  30,  1863.  He  returned  home 
and  has  since  lived  in  Rutland,  where  he  has  held  many  offices  of 
trust  in  the  town  and  county. 

CAPTAIN  WILLARD  PROCTOR.  Age  35;  born  in  Rutland, 
Vt.,  of  Revolutionary  stock;  farmer;  enlisted  from  Rutland,  111.,. 
August  9,  1862;  was  elected  First  Lieutenant,  date  of  commission 
August  27,  1862;  he  participated  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the 
battle  of  Hartsville,  Tenn.  In  the  Tullahoma  campaign  he  was  in 
the  spirited  two  days'  fighting  at  Elk  River  of  Beatty's  Brigade 
against  the  rebel  left  wing  of  a  division,  the  One  Hundred  and 


484  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

Fourth  taking  a  leading  part  in  the  advance.  Captain  Proctor  led 
his  company  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign  at  the  remarkable 
action  of  Davis  Cross  Roads,  September  11,  1863,  and  in  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga,  September  19  and  20,  1863.  Was  commissioned  Cap 
tain  for  meritorious  services  at  Chickamauga,  to  date  from  July 
30,  1863.  He  was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  and  in 
the  numerous  skirmishes  afterwards  at  Graysville  and  Taylor's 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard's  Roost,  of 
Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church  and 
Kenesaw  Mountain;  was  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  daily  skirmishes 
in  front  of  Atlanta;  at  Utoy  Creek  and  Jonesboro.  During  this 
wonderful  campaign  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  days,  he  was  under 
fire  with  his  company  and  Regiment  one  hundred  days,  being  often 
in  command  of  important  portions  of  the  skirmish  or  picket  lines, 
under  Major  Widmer,  who  was  known  as  the  best  skirmish  line 
officer  in  the  division.  Captain  Proctor  was  as  little  inclined  to 
give  way  in  critical  positions  as  the  granite  of  his  native  state.  He 
took  part  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood  and  the  march  to  the  sea,  but  was 
taken  very  sick  in  Savannah  and  was  sent  by  sea  to  New  York.  He 
therefore  missed  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas.  On  recovering  he 
reported  at  Washington  and  commanded  a  provisional  camp  of 
Sherman's  soldiers,  who  had  also  missed  the  last  campaign.  When 
the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  arrived  at  Washington,  Captain  Proc 
tor  rejoined  the  company  and  after  the  Grand  Review  of  the  mighty 
hosts  of  the  Union  armies,  was  mustered  out  June  6,  1865,  and  like 
Cincinnatus  of  old,  he  returned  home  to  his  plow.  Lives  at  Proctor, 
111.  Is  a  retired  farmer,  full  of  years,  peace  and  war  stories. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JAMES  M.  WRIGHT.  Enlisted  from 
Rutland,  August  9,  1862;  farmer;  was  appointed  Third  Sergeant;  was 
commissioned  Second  Lieutenant,  February  10,  1863.  He  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Took  part  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  present  at  Elk  River 
and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  participated  in  the  battles  of  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Commissioned  First  Lieuten 
ant  for  meritorious  services  at  Chickamauga;  date  of  commission, 
July  30,  1863.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  the  en 
gagements  on  Utoy  Creek,  and  Jonesboro.  Was  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Was  noted  for  en 
terprise  and  bravery.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Now  lives  at 
Ham's  Forks,  Wyo.  Is  a  ranchman. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  CHARLES  E.  WEBBER.  Enlisted  from 
Groveland  in  August,  1862;  elected  Second  Lieutenant;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign.  Resigned  at  Camp  Douglas,  February  9,  1863. 
Died  in  1894. 

FIRST  SERGEANT  WILLIAM  C.  F.  HEMPSTEAD.  Enlisted 
from  Rutland,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign, 
soon  after  was  promoted  Chaplain  of  the  Regiment.  Resigned  in 
September,  1863.  Died  some  years  ago. 

SERGEANT  LORENZO  C.  STOUT.  Age  28;  born  in  New  Jersey; 
farmer;  coming  to  Illinois  he  settled  near  Rutland,  and  imbued  with 
patriotism,  enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  appointed  Second  Sergeant; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  promoted 
First  Sergeant  March  15,  1863.  Took  part  in  the  Tullahoma  and 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  485 

Chickamauga  campaigns,  was  present  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was 
taken  sick  and  sent  back  to  Nashville  and  was  in  the  battle  there, 
being  unable  to  join  the  Regiment  on  its  march  to  the  sea. 
Sergeant  Stout  was  distinguished  for  bravery.  He  was  mustered  out 
June  6,  1865;  returned  to  Rutland  and  thereafter  for  many  years 
was  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Supervisor,  etc.  He  stood  high  in  the 
esteem  of  all.  But  like  many  another  soldier,  he  contracted  the 
disease  in  the  army  from  which  he  died,  January  13,  1893. 

SERGEANT  ARTHUR  S.  SMITH.  Enlisted  from  Rutland, 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  slightly  wounded  September  19,  1863. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

SERGEANT  ANDREW  MOFFITT.  Age  34;  born  in  Fayette 
County,  Pennsylvania;  farmer;  enlisted  August  9, 1862  from  Rutland; 
was  at  Tompkinsville,  Ky.,  sick,  at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Hartsville; 
captured  by  Hamilton's  cavalry  and  parolled,  rejoined  the  Regiment 
at  Camp  Chase.  Participated  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns,  and  present  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  W^as  in. a 
part  of  the  Atlanta  campaign,  but  owing  to  his  being  disabled  in  a 
railroad  accident  was  sent  to  the  rear;  had  charge  of  regimental 
baggage  and  papers  and  took  them  to  Washington.  Was  mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Dorchester,  Neb.  Is  in  the  lumber 
business. 

SERGEANT  TIMOTHY  POWELL.  Enlisted  from  Rutland, 
August  9,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsvillr-; 
in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  was  present  at  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads;  promoted  Sergeant.  Killed  at  the  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  September  20,  1863. 

SERGEANT  CHARLES  LAMP.  Enlisted  from  Rutland,  August 
9,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville,  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge; 
promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek, 
Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at 
Bloomington,  111.  Did  not  lose  any  shots  when  occasion  offered, 
and  never  knew  what  fear  was. 

CORPORAL  ELBRIDGE  CHAPMAN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  side.  Took  part  in  the  Tul 
lahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns,  being  present  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  first  day's  battle  of  Chickamauga.  The 
One  Hundred  and  Fourth  was  supporting  Bridge's  Battery  at  a  ford 
of  the  Chickamauga  and  was  under  a  terrific  fire  from  the  rebel  bat 
teries  when  his  right  leg  was  shot  away  and  his  right  elbow  shattered 
by  a  rebel  shell.  He  lived  but  a  few  hours. 

CORPORAL  CHARLES  L.  BANGS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk 
River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and 


486  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

battles,  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas.     Mustered  out  June  6,   1865. 

CORPORAL  NELSON  H.  COOPER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for 
disability  January  8,  1863. 

CORPORAL  ABRAM  A.  VERMILYEA.  Enlisted  from  Grove- 
land,  August  11,  1862.  Was  at  Hartsville.  Deserted  April  17,  1863. 

CORPORAL  R.  PERRY  HOGE.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9,  1862;  appointed  Corporal,  also  appointed  regimental 
wagon  master;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  Hartsville. 
Discharged  May  29,  1863;  disability. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  CADY.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9;  1862:  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign;  at  Elk  River,  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
and  its  battles,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  the  campaign  of  the 
Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  CHARLES  L.  SYMONDS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9,  1862;  marched  with  the  Regiment  to  Bowling  Green; 
taken  sick  at  Tompkinsville,  Ky.;  died  there  November  21,  1862. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  E.  FRINK.  Age  26;  born  in  New  York; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Rutland  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  slightly  wounded;  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign,  was  present  at  Elk  River.  Was  in  the  battles 
of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  promoted  Corporal  for  mer 
itorious  services.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  the  battles  around  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  was  again 
slightly  wounded.  Took  part  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood  and  the  march 
to  Savannah,  and  at  the  latter  place  performed  some  important  recon- 
noitering  services.  Corporal  Frink  was  also  in  the  campaign  of  the 
Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  He  was  distinguished  for  courage.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  Now  lives  at  Minnie  Falls,  Lincoln  County, 
Washington.  Is  a  farmer  and  stock  raiser. 

CORPORAL  ARTEMUS  C.  QUINN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville,  wounded  slightly  in  the  breast.  In  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy 
Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the 
sea,  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  at  Bentonville.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  LEWIS,  WHITMAN.  Enlister  from  Groveland 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;, the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns,  and  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis 
€ross  Roads;  also  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  where  he  was 
captured  and  sent  to  Andersonville  prison  pen.  Died  there  June  7, 
1864.  Number  of  grave,  1699. 

BARTHOLOMEW  ANDREWS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland, 
August  11,  1862;  was  wounded  slightly  at  Hartsville.  Was  a 
prisoner  for  a  long  time.  Transferred  to  I.  C.,  June  30,  1864. 

DAVID  ALLEN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  14,  1862; 
discharged  August  17,  1863,  for  disability. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  487 

FRANK  W.  BURNS.  Age  18;  born  in  Milford,  N.  H.;  clerk; 
enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartpville;  and  severely  wounded  in  the  throat.  Was  appointed 
Postmaster  of  the  Regiment  in  the  winter  of  1863;  of  the  brigade 
when  General  Carlin  took  command,  and  was  subsequently 
Postmaster  of  the  division  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Le  Mars,  Iowa,  and  is  in  the  milling  business. 
See  "Incidents." 

SAMUEL  BAKER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  for  disability  January 
.20,  1863. 

OLIVER  C.  BLACKBURN.  Age  35;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  at  Hartsville;  drove  the  ambulance  and  helped 
remove  the  wounded  from  the  field.  Was  discharged  for  disability 
January  29,  1863.  Moved  to  Randall,  Kan.  Died  March  21,  1889. 

JACOB  BANE.  Age  17;  born  in  Marshall  County,  W.  Va.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  wounded  in  the 
left  hand:  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns  he  took 
part  in  the  brilliant  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  19,  when  his  right  arm 
was  shot  away  and  he  was  badly  wounded  in  the  left  foot.  Mr.  Bane 
was  the  tallest  man  in  the  Regiment  and  wrell  built  in  every  way. 
He  served  his  country  with  a  fidelity  and  bravery  that  can  never 
be  repaid.  Discharged  for  wounds  April  23,  1864.  He  lives  in  Ottawa, 
111.,  has  been  a  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Is  now  a  pension  and  claim 
attorney.  See  "Incidents." 

HENRY  BANE.     Enlisted  August  20,  1862.     Rejected. 

JOHN  BAILEY.  Age  22;  born  in  Ross  County,  Ohio;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Groveland  August  12,  1862;  was  on  the  march  to 
Bowling  Green;  taken  sick  and  left  there;  rejoined  the  Regiment  at 
Chicago  and  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
was  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga. 
Served  most  of  the  time  as  a  teamster  and  was  in  all  the  campaigns 
of  the  Regiment.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Dana,  111.  Is 
a  farmer. 

ANDREW  J.  BAILEY.  Age  19;  born  in  Ross  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at 
Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In 
the  latter  on  the  20th,  he  became  separated  from  his  Regiment  when 
it  fell  back  before  the  rebel  charge  on  the  left,  and  joining  an  Ohio 
regiment,  then  coming  up,  fought  with  it  until  it,  too,  was  driven 
back  with  the  loss  of  the  color  bearer  and  flag.  The  Colonel  urgvJ 
the  men  to  recover  the  flag,  but  the  fire  was  so  severe,  none  would 
go;  then  it  was  that-  Bailey  volunteered  to  attempt  the  dangerous 
mission.  He  rushed  for  the  flag  amidst  a  shower  of  bullets,  secured 
it  and  returned  in  safety;  delivered  the  colors  to  the  Colonel  and 
received  his  thanks.  That  was  a  brave  act,  but  not  the  only  one. 
He  captured  that  day  the  flag  of  a  Texas  regiment.  Bailey  was  at 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville,  there  finishing  up  his  honorable 


488          THE  ONE  HU  NDRED  AND  FOURTH 

career  as    a   soldier.     Mustered    out  June    6,   1865.     He    lives    at 
Audubon,  Iowa. 

DAVID  BEAGLE.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  13,  1862; 
deserted  April  5,  1863. 

JOHN  COOPER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles,  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ANDREW  COLLINS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862. 
Discharged  for  disability  November  7,  1863. 

JOHN  COYNE.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  11,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  wounded  in  the 
breast  in  the  latter  battle.  Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas: 
wounded  again  at  Bentonville,  March  19,  1865.  Mustered  out  July 
6,  1865. 

ANTHONY  CALLAGHAN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Minnesota,  Is 
a  farmer. 

ELISHA  M.  DAVIS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chickamauga. 
Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

HENRY  C.  DOUGLAS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  12. 
1862;  was  at  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  in  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads:  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Killed  in  the  latter  battle  November  25,  1863. 

RICHARD  EVERITT.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

NICHOLAS  ELLENBOCKER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August 
9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign;  mortally  wounded  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville,  December  7,  1862.  Died  at  Gallatin,  Tenn., 
June  19,  1863. 

JOHN  ERIE.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  13,  1862;  he 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  campaign  and  Elk  River  advance.  Died  at  Cowan,  Tenn., 
August  24,  1863. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  48i> 

SAMUEL  FOSTER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain. 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville, 
always  on  hand.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

PORTER  HARKNBSS.  Age  31;  born  in  Bradford  County,  Pa.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  left  hand. 
Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  No  fly-specks  on  the  record. 
Lives  at  Yankeetown,  Woodford  County,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

GEORGE  E.  LEWIS.  Age  17;  born  in  Peru,  111.;  farmer; 
enlisted  September  6,  1862,  as  a  musician;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  where  he  beat  the  long  roll  to  "fall  in,"  for  the  first  time;  in 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
Lives  at  Ottawa,  111.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOHN  LAKIN.  Age  22;  born  in  England;  farmer;  enlisted  from 
Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  marched  with  the  Regiment  to  Frankfort, 
Ky.,  while  there  he  disabled  his  right  hand  by  an  accidental 
discharge  of  his  gun;  sent  to  hospital  at  Louisville;  taken  witli 
diphtheria;  discharged  for  disability  November  16,  1862;  died  a  few 
days  after. 

WILLIAM  LAKIN.  Age  18;  born  in  England;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Groveland,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville 
and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River;  was  in  the  battles  of 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
wa&  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek, 
Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  Savannah. 
Was  captured  with  Captain  Ross  at  Stroud's  Mill,  S.  C.,  February  26, 
1865;  sent  to  Libby;  exchanged  soon  after.  Mustered  out  June  6,. 
1865.  Lives  at  Dorchester,  Neb.  Is  a  farmer. 

ISAAC  B.  MULLIN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
discharged  for  disability,  June  10,  1863. 

JOHN  MARLEY.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
discharged  for  disability  April  22,  1864. 

WILLIAM  M.  McDONALD.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August 
9,  1862;  discharged  for  disability,  June  23,  1863. 

THOMAS  MAHAN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
deserted  May  1.  1863. 

CHRISTIAN  MILLER,  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  march  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky.  Taken  sick  and  died  there 
November  16,  1862. 

ERASTUS  F.  MALLORY.  Age  29;  born  in  Rome,  N.  Y.;  farmer; 
enlisted  from  Groveland.  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  When  the  Regiment  left 
Chicago  for  the  front  in  18763,  he  was  too  sick  to  go  and  did  not,  on 


490  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

account  of  continued  and  severe  sickness,  again  join  the  Regiment 
until  December  1863.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at 
Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca.  At  the  latter  place  he  was  wounded  in 
the  right  shoulder  May  14,  1864,  the  deltoid  muscle  being  severed; 
this  disabled  him  for  further  active  service,  but  he  recovered 
sufficiently  to  act  as  nurse  in  hospitals  until  mustered  out  May  9, 
1865.  He  has  lost  one  eye  and  otherwise  suffered  ever  since  as  the 
consequence  of  his  wound.  Lives  at  Hamilton,  Iowa. 

JOHN  MOORE.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862.  Died 
at  Louisville,  November  11,  1862. 

FERNANDO  D.  McFADDEN.  Age  25;  born  in  Fayette  County, 
Pa.;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River.  In  the 
Chickamauga  campaign  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of 
Chickamauga  where  he  was  wounded  in  the  right  foot,  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  he  was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of 
Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  was  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 
The  record  speaks  for  itself.  Lives  at  Laramie  City,  Wyoming.  Is 
a  farmer  and  stock  raiser. 

SAMUEL  B.  MALONE.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  deserted 
December  20,  1862. 

HENRY  T.  MARSH.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  11,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads.  Killed  in  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga,  September  20,  1863. 

MERRITT  MALLORY.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  12, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  for  disability  May, 
15,  18F.3. 

WISE  A.  MACKEY.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  13,  1862; 
deserted  December  20,  1862. 

N.  H.  MULLEN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  wounded 
slightly  in  the  leg;  discharged  March  10,  1864.  Lives  in  California.. 

ANGELO  A.  NEWTON.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Died  at  Cincinnati,  December 
23,  1862. 

JOHN  H.  OVERMAN.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862. 
Died  at  Louisville.  September  21,  1863. 

JAMES  C.  POWELL.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862. 
Discharged  for  disability  December  30,  1862. 

ANDREW  PONTS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  slightly 
wounded  in  the  thigh;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
and  battles;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

MARK  PURVIANCE.  Age  20;  born  in  Jefferson  County,  Ohio; 
farmer;  enlisted  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign; 
wounded  through  the  neck  at  Hartsville.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kene 
saw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro;  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mus- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  491 

tered  out  June  6,  1865.  Was  one  of  the  boys  who  waded  the  swamps 
at  Savannah.  Lives  at  Cromwell,  la.  Is  a  farmer. 

JOHN  QUINLIND.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  12,  1862; 
discharged  January  30,  1863,  for  disability. 

OSCAR  L.  ROBINSON.  Age  24;  born  in  Bennington,  Vt.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns; 
present  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chicka 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  cam 
paign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at 
Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Wenona,  111.  Is  a 
mason. 

DANIEL  C.  ROBBINS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  Chicka 
mauga.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  was  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas.  Mustered  out  June  12,  1865. 
Resides  in  Nebraska. 

CHARLES  RICE.  Age  31;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  enlisted 
August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  at  Harts viile. 
In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  battles  of  the  Atlanta  campaign;  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  in  Bloomington,  111. 

SAMUEL  READ.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  born  in  England. 
Deserted  April  1,  1863. 

NICHOLAS  SHOEMAKER.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  born  in 
Germany.  Deserted  January  18,  1863. 

HENRY  J.  SHOWMAN.  Age  20;  born  in  Fayette  County,  Pa.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
In  the  Atlanta  campaign,  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Caro 
linas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  merchant  at 
Streator,  111. 

JOHN  SMITH.  Enlisted  August  12,  1862;  deserted  December 
17,  1862. 

CORNELIUS  SNYDER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  11, 
1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  wounded;  in  the  actions  of  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  was  present 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  Creek.  Wounded  in  right  elbow  at  Utoy  Creek,  August 
7,  1864.  Mustered  out  July  16,  1865. 

ABRAHAM  SMOCK.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  June  16,  1863, 
for  disability. 

WALKER  PURVIANCE.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  12, 
1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in 


492  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

the   Tullahoma  and   Chickamauga  campaigns  and  battles.     Trans 
ferred  to  Invalid  Corps,  June  21,  1864. 

JOHNSON  TRAVER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  wounded  in 
the  hand.  Died  at  Columbus,  O.,  December  26,  1862. 

JERRY  THOMPSON.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862. 
Discharged  for  disability  December  18,  1862. 

BARTON  W.  TAYLOR.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9, 
1862.  Transferred  to  New  York  regiment  and  honorably  dis 
charged.  Adjutant  General's  report  is  wrong. 

HARVEY  W.  TRAVER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9, 
1862;  farmer;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Mortally  wounded  at 
Hartsville,  December  7,  1862.  Died  December  10,  1862. 

DARIUS  F.  TRASK.  Age  29;  born  in  Cortland  County,  N.  Y.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In 
the  Atlanta  campaign  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca  and  New  Hope 
Church.  Wounded  in  the  arm  at  the  latter  place,  June  6,  1864;  laid 
up  six  weeks,  but  recovered  and  was  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  daily 
skirmishes  around  and  siege  of  Atlanta,  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro. 
Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a 
farmer  at  Cimarron,  Kan. 

JAMES  J.  TRAVER.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862; 
farmer;  wounded  severely  in  the  face  at  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  was  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  wounded  in  the  arm  in  the  latter  battle. 
Took  part  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

ROBERT  BRUCE  WINANS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August 
9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville, 
where"  he  was  slightly  wounded.  In  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle 
of  Chickamauga.  At  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  the 
skirmishes  following;  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was 
in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  the  campaign 
of  the  Carolinas,  also  the  battle  of  Bentonville.  No  better  soldier 
ever  shouldered  a  musket  or  found  a  chicken.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865.  Lives  at  Dana,  111. 

JOHN  K.  WILLIAMS.  Enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9, 
1862;  discharged  January  7,  1863. 

LEWIS  WINANS.  Age  24;  born  in  Greene  County,  N.  Y.; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  Groveland,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  at  Flanagan,  111. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  493 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  I. 

Total  enlistment 82 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 6 

Wounded   19 

Discharged  for  wounds 1 

Discharged  for  disability 17 

Died  of  disease 7 

Died  in  prison 1 

Resigned    2 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 30 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 5 

Transferred   to   Invalid   Corps 2 

Transferred  to  New  York  regiment 1 

Rejected  1 

Deserted 8 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 24 


CHAPTEK    XXXIII. 


Company     K — How     and     Where   Organized — Roster  and   Biogra 
phies — Statistics. 


SKETCH  OP  COMPANY  K. 

This  company  was  recruited  in  Peru  and  vicinity  by 
J.  W.  Palmer  and  Joseph  P.  Fitzsimmons.  The  men 
were  hardy  and  nearly  all  under  thirty  years  of  age.  A 
large  majority  were  native  born  and  many  of  German 
and  Irish  parentage.  They  were  well  fitted  to  endure  the 
hardships  of  a  soldier's  life.  Before  going  to  the  camp 
at  Ottawa,  Justus  W.  Palmer,  who  had  been  a  member 
of  the  Ellsworth  Zouaves  in  Chicago,  then  living  in 
Peru,  was  elected  Captain.  Before  leaving,  the  ladies  of 
Peru,  through  Miss  Minnie  Paul,  presented  a  beautiful 
silk  flag  to  the  company.  At  Ottawa,  Joseph  P.  Fitz 
simmons  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  and  Otis  S. 
Favor  Second  Lieutenant.  Adolph  Splitstosser  was  ap 
pointed  First  Sergeant,  and  Frank  M.  Sapp,  William 
Winslow,  Charles  G.  Butterweck,  and  Adolph  Sling- 
man,  Sergeants.  The  following  were  appointed  Cor 
porals:  George  Alexander,  William  II.  Craig,  Benj. 
Sutcliff,  George  Wine,  Frederick  G.  McLain,  William 
Wilmarth,  Francis  M.  Wood,  Eli  K.  Moffitt.  Many 
changes  soon  occurred  among  the  non-commissioned 
officers  and  especially  after  the  battle  of  Hartsville. 
Thus  organized  Company  K  had  the  advantage  at  first 
of  being  officered  by  men  of  experience,  one  of  whom, 
Lieutenant  Fitzsimmons,  had  seen  active  service  in  the 
First  Illinois  Cavalry.  Hence,  Company  K  became  one 
of  the  best  drilled  in  the  Regiment  and  was  assigned 
to  the  left  flank  as  a  skirmish  company.  In  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  it  received  the  first  fire  of  the 
enemy  and  fought  bravely  until  pressed  back  by  the 
overwhelming  masses  of  the  rebels.  Joseph  P.  Arnold 
was  mortally  wounded  and  a  number  wounded,  some 


Captain  Joseph   P.    Fitzsimmons,  Company   K. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  495 

severely.  Captain  Palmer  resigning  in  Chicago,  Lieu 
tenant  Fitzsimmons  was  promoted  Captain  and  there 
after  led  the  company  until  killed  at  Utoy  Creek, 
August  7th,  18G4.  Company  K  always  acquitted  itself 
with  credit  in  every  battle  and  was  always  prominent 
on  the  skirmish  line  and  could  be  depended  upon,  as 
was  so  well  shown  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  to  hold  any 
point  of  vantage  or  to  charge  and  seize  the  rifle  pits  of 
the  enemy.  Its  brave  Captain,  Fitzsimmons,  seemed  to 
court  the  place  of  danger  and  his  men  followed  him 
with  confidence.  In  common  with  the  Regiment  Com 
pany  K  shared  in  the  glories  of  every  battlefield  from 
Louisville  to  the  sea,  thence  to  Bentonville,  losing 
during  the  term  of  service  its  proportion  of  brave  men 
in  killed  and  wounded. 

,      ROSTER  OF  THE  COMPANY. 

CAPTAIN  JUSTUS  W.  PALMER.  Age,  24;  occupation,  photog 
rapher;  was  a  member  of  the  Ellsworth  Zouaves  before  the  war; 
helped  recruit  Company  K  with  Joseph  P.  Fitzsimmons,  ahd  was 
elected  and  commissioned  Captain;  elected  Major  by  the  Regiment, 
but  not  commissioned;  taken  prisoner  at  Hartsville;  with  the  com 
pany  at  Columbus  and  Chicago.  Resigned  February  28,  1863.  Last 
heard  of  in  Kansas. 

CAPTAIN  JOSEPH  P.  FITZSIMMONS.  Born  in  Stark  County, 
Ohio,  May  5,  1835.  When  he  was  two  years  old,  his  father  lost  his 
life  while  rescuing  a  drowning  man.  Later,  young  Fitzsimmons 
learned  the  trade  of  a  pattern  maker  and  worked  in  Peru,  Peoria 
and  Bloomington.  He  enlisted  in  the  First  Illinois  Cavalry  July  31, 
1861,  as  chief  bugler  of  Company  A;  was  discharged  October  14,  1861, 
having  been  taken  prisoner  at  Lexington,  Mo.,  and  released  on 
parole.  Re-enlisted  in  the  same  Regiment  as  chief  bugler  of  the 
non-commissioned  staff,  and  was  discharged  July  14,  1862.  He  as 
sisted  in  the  organization  of  Company^K,  in  August,  1862,  and  was 
elected  First  Lieutenant  and  commissioned  by  Governor  Yates.  He 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  marched  to  Hartsville,  but  at 
the  time  of  the  battle  there  was  on  detached  duty  at  Gallatin.  He 
rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Camp  Douglas  in  the  winter  of  1863,  and 
was  commissioned  Captain  February  28,  1863.  Thereafter  he  com 
manded  the  Company,  and  was  at  Nashville,  Murfreesboro,  and  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  in  the  battles  of  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  and  the  skirmishes  following.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  officers  to  set  foot  on  Mission  Ridge  and  dis 
tinguished  for  bravery  on  that  occasion.  Captain  Fitzsimmons  par 
ticipated  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face; 
in  the  battles  around  Resaca,  the  numerous  engagements  around  New 
Hope  Church,  and  on  the  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek;  the  fighting  around 
Kenesaw  Mountain  and  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek;  the  engage- 


496  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

ments  before  Atlanta  and  at  Utoy  Creek.  At  the  latter  place  he  was 
killed  by  a  rebel  sharpshooter  while  in  the  act  of  putting  a  rail  on 
the  earthworks  thrown  up  by  our  men  in  front  of  the  enemy.  In  a 
letter  conveying  intelligence  home  of  his  death,  Colonel  Hapeman 
said  of  him:  "He  was  brave  and  generous,  and  beloved  by  officers  and 
men."  Although  a  rigid  disciplinarian  and  strict  in  the  enforcement 
of  military  rules,  he  was  most  companionable  and  always  ready  to 
participate  with  his  men  in  the  amusements  of  camp  life.  He  was 
constitutionally  fearless  and  always  ready  to  volunteer  for  the  most 
risky  service,  or  to  lead  in  a  dangerous  and  doubtful  encounter. 
He  possessed  a  vigorous  physique,  active  temperament  and  keen 
intellect,  and  won  and  deserved  the  appellation  of  "the  bravest  of 
the  brave."  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  the  senior  captain 
with  the  Regiment.  His  body  was  buried  with  that  of  Sergeant  Craig, 
who  fell  a  few  moments  after  him  at  the  same  place. 

CAPTAIN  FRANK  M.  SAPP.  Age  24;  born  in  Bureau  County, 
111.;  was  publisher  and  editor  of  the  Peru  Herald  when  he  enlisted 
in  August,  1862.  He  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  organization  of  the 
Regiment  and  Company;  was  appointed  and  mustered  as  Second 
Sergeant  and  served  with  his  command  in  the  Kentucky  and  Ten 
nessee  campaigns,  and  the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  promoted  Sec 
ond  Lieutenant  February  28,  1863.  He  was  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  In  the  latter  he  was  badly  wounded  in  the 
right  shoulder,  from  which  he  has  never  recovered.  He  was  pro 
moted  First  Lieutenant,  July  23,  1864,  and  Captain  August  7,  1864, 
but  did  not  muster  in  the  two  latter  grades  because  unable  to  rejoin 
the  Regiment.  While  disabled  he  commanded  a  company  in  Nash 
ville  for  two  months.  He  resigned.  September  23,  1864,  on  account 
of  wounds  and  chronic  diarrhea.  Captain  Sapp  was  able,  efficient 
and  brave,  and  left  the  service  with  regret.  He  has  been  for  many 
years  editor  and  part  owner  of  the  Ottawa  Republican,  one  of  the 
most  influential  newspapers  in  the  state.  He  lives  at  Ottawa,  111. 

CAPTAIN  CHARLES  G.  BUTTERWECK.  Age  19;  born  in  Ger 
many;  clerk;  enlisted  from  Peru,  July,  1862;  elected  Sergeant.  He 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Appointed 
First  Sergeant  in  March,  1863.  He  took  part  in  the  Chickamauga 
campaign  at  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  first  day's  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga,  where  he  was  wounded  by  a  piece  of  shell;  was  not  again 
with  the  Regiment  until  the  latter  part  of  November,  1863.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  he  was  at  Resaca  and  wounded  in  the  right  hand; 
absent  until  the  latter  part  of  July,  1864.  Commissioned  First  Lieu 
tenant,  also  Captain,  August  7,  1864.  He  was  on  the  march  to  the 
sea;  left  sick  with  typhoid  fever  in  Savannah  and  was  in  the  hos 
pital  there  and  at  Raleigh  and  Washington.  Discharged  May  15, 
1865.  Is  now  a  farmer  near  Lacon,  111. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  OTIS  S.  FAVOR.  Age  22;  born  in  Bos 
ton,  Mass.;  bookkeeper.  Enlisted  in  June,  1862;  was  engaged  in 
recruiting  men  for  the  Eighty-ninth  Illinois;  subsequently  joined 
Company  K,  of  which,  on  the  organization,  he  was  elected  Second 
Lieutenant.  He  took  part  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville.  Was  promoted  First  Lieutenant  February  28,  1863.  Was 
in  the  Tullahoma  and  a  part  of  the  Chickamauga  campaign.  In  the 
Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  and  New  Hope  Church. 


Sergt.  W.  H.  Craig,  Co.  K. 
Jos.  Burkaft,  Co.  K. 
Capt.  F.  M.  Sapp,  Co.  K. 


Corp.  A.  L.  Mason,  Co.  F. 
Lieut.  W.  Winslow,  Co.  K. 
Sergt.  E.  R.  Moffitt,;  Cp,  K, 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  497 

Resigned  near  Dallas,  Ga.,  July  23,  1864.  Lives  in  Chicago  and  is 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  WINSLOW.  Age  19;  born  in 
Niles,  Mich.;  enlisted  from  Peru,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Ser 
geant;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  In 
the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis 
Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickmauga.  In  the  battles  of  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  He  was  present  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy 
Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas;  at  Bentonville.  Commissioned 
First  Lieutenant  October  28,  1864,  and  took  command  of  the  com 
pany.  Was  mustered  out  June  6,  1865;  was  the  only  commissioned 
officer  in  the  company.  Is  a  merchant  at  Freeport,  111. 

SERGEANT  ADOLPH  SPLITSTOSSER.  Enlisted  from  Peru, 
August  8,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant.  He  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  wounded.  Discharged 
for  wound  and  disability  April  27,  1863. 

SERGEANT  ADOLPH  SLINGMAN.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  Au 
gust  9,  1862;  appointed  Sergeant.  He  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  taken 
sick  and  discharged  for  disability,  January  24,  1864.  He  died  soon 
after  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  a  brave  and  dutiful  soldier. 

SERGEANT  WILLIAM  H.  CRAIG.  Enlisted  at  Peru,  August 
9,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  Present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Moun 
tain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks.  On  August  7,  1864,  while  the 
Regiment  was  in  line  of  battle,  a  part  engaged  in  throwing  up 
works,  and  a  part  firing  on  the  enemy,  the  brave  Sergeant  was  killed 
by  a  rebel  sharpshooter,  the  ball  passing  through  his  head  from  one 
ear  to  the  other.  In  his  death  the  company  lost  a  gallant  soldier 
and  one  who  was  loved  by  all. 

SERGEANT  FREDERICK  G.  McLAIN.  Enlisted  at  Peru,  August 
8,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads;  in  the  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  he  was  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro;  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through 
the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  He  was  a  brave  and  true  soldier  and 
also  a  writer  of  ability,  as  shown  by  his  letters  written  from  the  front 
and  published  at  the  time.  He  is  quoted  elsewhere  in  this  history. 
Was  mustered  out  as  First  Sergeant,  June  6,  1865.  When  last  heard 
from  lived  at  DuQuoin,  111. 

SERGEANT  FRANCIS  M.  WOOD.  Enlisted  at  Peru,  August  5, 
1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville.  Promoted  Sergeant.  Discharged  April  27,  1863;  dis 
ability. 


498  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

SERGEANT  ELI  R.  MOFFITT.  Age  25;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
enlisted  at  Peru,  August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  in  the  Tulla- 
homa  campaign  and  at  Elk  River;  also  in  the  battles  of  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben- 
tonville.  Promoted  Sergeant  for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  He  had  previous  to  enlisting  in  One  Hundred  and 
Fourth,  served  in  Company  A,  First  Illinois  Cavalry.  Now  lives  at 
Adrian,  Mich. 

SERGEANT  HARRISON  HOLCOMB.  Enlisted  at  Peru,  August 
14,  1862;  was  at  Hartsville;  ih  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Was  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  through  the  Caroliuas  to  Bentonville.  Promoted  Sergeant 
for  meritorious  services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

CORPORAL  GEORGE  ALEXANDER.  Age  31;  born  in  Roches 
ter,  N.  Y.;  enlisted  at  Peru,  August  11,  1862;  appointed  Corporal; 
discharged  October  11,  1862;  disability.  He  had  served  previously 
in  Company  A,  First  Illinois  Cavalry.  Lives  in  Dubuque,  la. 

CORPORAL  BENJAMIN  SUTCLIFF.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin, 
August  14,  1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  in  January,  1863;  disability. 

CORPORAL  GEORGE  WINE.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  14, 
1862;  appointed  Corporal;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River,  where  he 
was  killed  by  a  solid  shot  from  the  rebel  battery,  Sergeant  Moffit 
dodging  the  same  ball  just  in  time.  Corporal  Wine  was  a  brave 
soldier. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  WILMARTH.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  Au 
gust  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Harts 
ville.  Discharged  April  27,  1863 ;  disability. 

CORPORAL  WILLIAM  BARTON.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August 
18,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  at  Elk  River,  the  action  of 
Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  Present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  and  the  battles  of  the  Regiment 
around  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Taken  sick  and  transferred  to  the 
Invalid  Corps,  January  31,  1864.  When  last  heard  from  was  a  resi 
dent  of  Kansas. 

CORPORAL  THOMAS  S.  CONLEY.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  Au 
gust  13,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk 
River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout 
Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Captured  in  the  Sequatchie  Valley, 
but  escaped;  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Again  captured  and  sent  to 
Andersonville,  again  escaped  and  was  in  the  Carolina  campaign. 
Mustered  out  as  Corporal  for  meritorious  services,  June  6,  1865. 
Lived  in  Putnam  County  after  the  war. 

CORPORAL  JOSEPH  DUFFEY.  Age  18;  born  in  Pennsylvania; 
farmer;  enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  8,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
cpmp^ign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at 
Elk  River.  Was  in'  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was 


Lieut.  Otis  S.  Favor,   Company   K. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  499 

wounded  in  the  right  hip  September  20,  1863;  promoted  Corporal. 
Discharged  February  24,  1865;  disability.  He  also  served  in  Com 
pany  A,  First  Illinois  Cavalry.  Lives  in  La  Salle.  Is  a  mason. 

CORPORAL  FREDERICK  FIENHOLD.  Age  22;  born  in  Ger 
many;  farmer;  enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads.  In  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  present 
in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Took 
part  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the 
Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Promoted  Corporal  for  meritorious 
services.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Is  now  a  prosperous  farmer 
at  Kenwood,  la.,  and  smiles  with  satisfaction  at  the  thought  of  his 
continuous  career  of  army  service  in  the  cause  of  the  Union. 

CORPORAL  JAMES  F.  ALLEN.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  Au 
gust  16,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  promoted  Corporal;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River; 
in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  taken  sick  during  the  siege  of 
Chattanooga  and  died  March  25,  1864;  much  regretted.  His  father 
will  be  remembered  by  the  company  for  bringing  them  provisions 
at  Elk  River,  and  his  presence  in  the  fighting  there. 

GEORGE  PITZER.  Age  25;  born  in  Rutland,  La  Salle  County; 
enlisted  August  15,  1862,  as  musician;  was  in  the  Kentucky  cam 
paign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga 
campaigns;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sion  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865.  Is  a  farmer  in  Rutland. 

ALBERT  ALLMAN.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  28,  1862;  dis 
charged  October  11,  1862;  disability. 

JOSEPH  P.  ARNOLD.  Enlisted  from  Granville,  Putnam 
County,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  mortally  wounded  while  on  the  skirmish 
line,  December  8,  1862.  He  was  the  first  man  to  fall  in  that  battle. 

CHARLES  N.  BROWN.  Age  24;  born  in  Bureau  County,  111.; 
enlisted  from  Peru,  August  5,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign 
and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  severely  wounded.  Dis 
charged  for  wound,  December  26,  1862,  and  died  in  1863  from  the 
effects. 

JOSEPH  BURKART.  Age  24;  born  in  Baden,  Germany; 
laborer;  enlisted  from  Peru,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky 
campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chicka 
mauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga, 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign 
was  present  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek;  the  skirmishes  in  front  of  Atlanta  and 
at  Utoy  Creek,  where,  August  13,  1864,  he  was  wounded  in  the  hip 
and  the  wound  dressed  on  the  field  by  Surgeon  Dyer.  He  was  sent 
to  hospital,  but  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Kingston,  Ga.,  and  was 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  La  Salle,  111.;  prosperous  in 
business  and  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  La  Salle 
County. 

ROBERT  BELL.  Age  19;  born  in  Ireland;  enlisted  from  Peru, 
August  14,  1862;  he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  the  battle 


500  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  left  thigh. 
Discharged  for  wound,  April  27,  1863.    Resides  at  Chatsworth,  111. 

MILTON  B.  BUSHNELL.  Age  19;  born  in  Princeton,  111.;  con 
tractor  and  builder;  enlisted  at  Peru,  August  14,  ,1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  the  action  of  Davis  Cross 
Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  He  was  in  the  battles  of 
Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  He  took  part  in  the  skirmishes 
of  the  Regiment  following  that  battle,  and  was  present  at  Buzzard 
Roost,  of  Rocky  Face,  the  battles  around  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church; 
the  battles  around  Kenesaw  Mountain;  was  at  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy 
Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  a  part  of  the  Carolina  campaign.  On  the  26th 
of  February,  1865,  was  one  of  a  party  of  foragers  commanded  by 
Captain  Ross,  sent  out  while  the  Regiment  lay  near  the  Catawba 
River,  S.  C.  The  party  was  surrounded  by  rebel  cavalry  at  Stroud's 
Mill  on  Fishing  Creek,  and  after  killing  five  or  six  rebels,  was 
obliged  to  surrender,  none  escaping  except  McCormick  and  Merritt. 
Bushnell  was  sent  to  Libby  Prison,  but  soon  exchanged,  and  was 
mustered  out  May  29,  1865,  at  Springfield,  IU.  He  lives  in  Chicago 
and  is  a  contractor. 

THOMAS  BURROWS.  Enlisted  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the 
battle  of  Chickamauga.  Died  at  Chattanooga,  October  24,  1863.  The 
Company  and  Regiment  lost  a  good  soldier. 

JAMES  BURMINGHAM.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  April  27,  1863;  disability. 

CHARLES  BURK.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  15,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battle 
of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  At 
lanta  campaigns  and  battles.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march 
to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  He  was  always  on  hand. 

JACOB  BURKART.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  appointed 
Sergeant,  but  was  reduced  to  the  ranks  at  his  own  request.  He 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis 
Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and 
Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood;  on  the  march  to  the 
sea.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOSEPH  CARNEY.  Age  26;  enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads, 
and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  captured;  was  in  An- 
dersonville;  exchanged  in  April,  1865.  Mustered  out  June  28,  1865. 
Lives  in  Lee  County,  111.;  is  a  farmer. 

HENRY  A.  CHAPIN.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  20,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville.  Discharged  April  30,  1864;  disability.  Lives  in 
Chicago. 

JOHN  P.  DOWLING.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  8,  1862;  de 
serted  February  17,  1863. 

FREDERICK  DORI.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge,  Buz 
zard  Roost,  Resaca,  Mew  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  501 

Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died 
soon  after  the  war. 

SAMUEL  DIEFENBAUGH.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  dishonor 
ably  discharged.  See  Adjutant  General's  report. 

LOUIS  ENGEL.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads,  the 
battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
in  front  of  which  he  was  wounded  June  21,  1864;  was  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben- 
tonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Ladd,  Bureau 
County,  111. 

JOHN  ENZMINGER.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns. 
Discharged  Janury  19,  1864;  disability.  Lives  in  Chicago. 

GEORGE  FIFE.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  battle  of 
Hartsville  and  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Deserted  January  14, 
1864. 

VALENTINE  FEIST.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  deserted  May 
1,  1863. 

JAMES  GATTY.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps,  January  20,  1864. 

ERNEST  GERBER.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  August  9,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Discharged  February  4,  1863;  dis 
ability. 

ANDREW  A.  HART.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  August  12,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  and  wounded  severely  there.  Took 
part  in  all  the  campaigns  and  in  several  battles;  was  teamster.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865. 

GEORGE  HALL.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  August  12,  1862; 
deserted  May  20,  1863. 

GEORGE  W.  HOSS.  Age  22;  born  in  Ohio;  enlisted  from  Peru, 
August  5,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River, 
Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga;  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mis 
sion  Ridge.  Present  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek 
and  Utoy  Creek,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out 
June  6,  1865.  Lives  near  Lincoln,  Neb. 

MARTIN  HAYDEN.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  5,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged 
January  3,  1864;  disability. 

GEORGE  HAHN.  Age  20;  born  in  Germany;  farmer;  enlisted 
from  Peru,  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle 
of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at 
Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
where  he  was  wounded,  September  20,  1863,  while  on  the  skirmish 
line.  He  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca, 
New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  and  on  the  march  to  the 


502  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

sea  and  northwards  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives 
in  Bureau  County. 

MORITZ  HOYBR.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  16,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Taken  sick 
and  died  at  Decherd,  Tenn.,  October  11,  1863. 

HERMAN  JUNE.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  14,  1862;  de 
serted  December  20,  1862. 

CHARLES  KNAPP.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles.  In  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben 
tonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  H.  KOHR.  Age  17;  born  in  Peru;  laborer;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge, 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on 
the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  John 
took  it  all  in.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  in  Peru. 

JOHN  LINDEMEYER.  Enlisted  August  12,  1862;  was  in  the 
Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and 
Chickamauga;  wounded  in  the  latter  battle.  Was  at  Lookout  Moun 
tain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Troy  Grove. 

FREDERICK  LANGE.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was 
in  all  the  battles  of  the  Atlanta  campaign;  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865.  Not  living. 

JOHN  LEMBKE.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  August  16,  1862;  was 
at  Hartsville,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  all  the  battles  of  the  Atlanta  campaign;  at 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to 
the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865.  He  saw  it  all. 

HENRY  LUKE.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  11,  1862;  had 
previously  served  in  Company  A,  First  Illinois  Cavalry;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville,  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads; 
the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge. 
Was  in  the  battles  of  the  Atlanta  campaign,  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood, 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

FRANK  MAURER.  Age  18;  born  in  Germany;  enlisted  August 
14,  1862;  was  in  the  Chickamauga  campaign  and  battle  of  Chicka 
mauga;  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  was  a  faithful  and 
brave  soldier.  Discharged  January  19,  1864;  disability.  Lives  in 
Peru,  111. 

MICHAEL  MILLER.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  14,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  accidentally 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  503 

drowned  in  the  Ohio  River,  December,  1862,  while  on  the  way  to 
Camp  Lew  Wallace. 

THOMAS  MULCAY.  Enlisted  from  Troy  Grove,  August  11,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he 
was  wounded  severely;  discharged  for  wound,  May  29,  1863. 

HENRY  MERKEL.  Age  24;  born  in  Germany;  enlisted  from 
Troy  Grove,  August  11,  1862;  was  in  the  battles  of  Hartsville,  Look 
out  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  He  was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign 
at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of 
Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben- 
tonville.  Was  wounded  at  Resaca,  May  14,  1864.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865.  Lives  at  Peru,  111. 

THOMAS  McGRAW.  Enlisted  August  18,  1862;  deserted  Septem 
ber  30,  1862. 

MICHAEL  McDERMOTT.  Enlisted  August  18,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville.  The  Adjutant  General's  report  says:  "Deserted 
January  14,  1863,  returned."  He  did  return  and  served  through  the 
war  with  credit. 

MICHAEL  McNOON.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862.  Deserted  January 
14,  1863. 

JOHN  McCONNELL.  Age  32;  born  in  Ohio;  farmer;  enlisted  Au 
gust  16,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Harts 
ville;  at  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross  Roads;  in  the  battles  of  Chicka- 
mauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta 
y campaign;  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  Was  in  the 
pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas 
to  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Lives  at  Meriden,  la. 
Is  a  farmer  and  as  successful  as  he  was  in  fighting  for  his  country. 

CHARLES  M.  McKEON.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  11,  1862; 
deserted  December  1,  1862. 

MARTIN  MELECK.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  9,  1862;  was 
in  the  battle  of  Hartsville;  the  actions  of  Elk  River  and  Davis  Cross 
Roads;  the  battles  of  Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission 
Ridge.  Was  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles;  in  the  pursuit 
of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Ben 
tonville.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865.  Died  in  1893. 

JOHN  H.  MOORE.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  22,  1862.  Dis 
charged  in  October,  1862;  disability. 

OTTO  L.  M'LAIN.  Enlisted  August  5,  1862;  was  in  the  battle 
of  Hartsville,  Tenn.,  and  there  fought  bravely  and  after  being  cap 
tured  escaped  and  carried  the  first  news  of  the  surrender  to  Galla- 
tin.  Deserted  February  11,  1863. 

MICHAEL  O'LAUGHLIN.  Enlisted  August  12,  1862;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  the  Tullahoma  campaign.  Discharged 
December  2,  1863;  disability.  Lives  at  Emington,  111. 

HENRY  PUST.  Enlisted  August  22,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville,  where  he  was  severely 
wounded  and  had  his  leg  amputated  in  consequence.  Discharged 
March  4,  1863. 

LEWIS  PFENTZ.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862;  from  Peru;  was  in 
the  battle  of  Hartsville.  Discharged  February  2,  1863;  disability. 

AARON  PACKARD.  Enlisted  August  13,  1862;  deserted  January 
11,  1863. 


504  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

CHARLES  F.  PETERSON.  Born  in  Sweden;  enlisted  August 
12,  1862,  from  Peru;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of 
Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk 
River,  Davis  Cross  Roads  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  was  severe 
ly  wounded  at  Hartsville.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  and  battles 
until  wounded  again  before  Atlanta,  July  24,  1864,  but  partially  re 
covering,  was  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  going  to  Savannah  on  a 
crutch,  thus  showing  the  stuff  he  was  made  of.  Mustered  out  June 
6,  1865. 

FRANK  ROEDLE.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  22,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Was  on  the 
march  to  the  sea.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

JOHN  ROBINSON.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  August  5,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville.  Died  in  Nash 
ville,  March  28,  1864. 

NATHAN  RHAM.  Enlisted  August  11,  1862,  from  Peru;  was  in 
the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma 
and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads,  and 
the  battle  of  Chickamauga;  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge, 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  where  he  was  wounded,  August  13, 
1864;  disabled  for  further  service  by  wound.  Mustered  out  June, 
1865;  always  ready  for  duty. 

AUGUSTUS  RUSNER.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  13,  1862; 
was  at  Hartsville,  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross  Roads;  the  battles  of 
Chickamauga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  At-, 
lanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Peach 
Tree  Creek.  Wounded  at  Utoy  Creek,  August  13,  1864.  Mustered 
out  June  6,  1865. 

ANDREW  REEDER.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  16,  1862; 
deserted  January  14,  1863. 

LUTHER  S.  SLYDER.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  16,  1862; 
promoted  Hospital  Steward.  See  N.  C.  Staff. 

GEORGE  SCHWEIGART.  Enlisted  from  Peru,  August  11,  1862; 
was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tulla 
homa  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  and  the  battle  of  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  Mission  Ridge.  In  the  Atlanta  campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy 
Creeks.  Killed  at  the  latter  place,  August  13,  1864.  The  Regiment 
lost  a  brave  and  true  soldier. 

SOLON  K.  SAPP.  Age  19;  born  in  Bureau  County;  enlisted  from 
Peru,  August  13,  1862;  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign.  Was  taken 
sick  at  Frankfort,  Ky.;  rejoined  the  Regiment  at  Camp  Douglas  and 
went  with  it  to  the  front  in  1863,  but  was  again  stricken  down  and 
discharged  for  disability,  August  24,  1863.  He  practiced  law  in  St. 
Louis  from  1870  to  1892;  died  in  September,  1892,  in  Colorado. 

ALONZO  D.  SCRIBNER.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the 
battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  campaign  at  Elk  River. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  April  22,  1864. 

GEORGE  STROBLE.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862;  deserted  March 
20,  1863. 

PETER  SHULTES.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  14,  1862;  was 
in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tulla 
homa  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.  in  1864.  Not  living. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  505 

JOSEPH  A.  STEIGER.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  August  28,  1862; 
was  in  the  battle  of  Hartsville  and  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and 
the  march  to  the  sea.  Mustered  out  June  6,  1865. 

MICHAEL  TOBACCO.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  deserted  Jan 
uary  14,  1863. 

JOHN  TJLRICH.  Enlisted  August  14,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign.  Discharged  April  29,  1863;  disability. 

JOHN  WILLIAMS.  Enlisted  August  25,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the  Tullahoma  and 
part  of  the  Atlanta  campaign.  Transferred  to  V.  R.  C.,  January  1, 
1865.  Died  in  Cayuga,  111.,  in  1868. 

MATTHEW  WINZEL.  Enlisted  August  15,  1862;  deserted 
January  14,  1863. 

FRANK  TROMPETER.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  deserted  the 
second  time,  July  1,  1864. 

JOHN  TROMPETER.  Enlisted  August  9,  1862;  was  in  the  Ken 
tucky  campaign.  Discharged  February  18,  1863;  disability.  Lives 
in  Kansas. 

CHARLES  TRENT.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin,  August  14,  1862; 
he  was  in  the  Kentucky  campaign  and  battle  of  Hartsville;  in  the 
Tullahoma  and  Chickamauga  campaigns;  at  Elk  River,  Davis  Cross 
Roads,  Chickamauga.  Was  at  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge, 
Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New  Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach 
Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks,  Jonesboro.  In  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the 
march  to  the  sea  and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Mus 
tered  out  June  6,  1865. 

'      RECRUITS. 

JAMES  BELL.  Enlisted  March  3,  1865.  His  term  of  service  was 
short  but  efficient.  Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 
Lives  at  Kempton,  111. 

HENRY  COX.  Enlisted  February  5,  1864;  was  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign  at  Buzzard  Roost  and  Resaca.  Wounded  in  the  latter 
battle,  May  14,  1864;  was  transferred  to  the  V.  R.  C.  Lives  in  St. 
Paul,  Minn. 

JOSEPH  FROEL1CH.  Enlisted  from  Joliet,  January  29,  1864. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

EDWARD  HOSS.  Age  20;  enlisted  January  29,  1864;  joined  the 
Regiment  at  Graysville,  Ga.  He  was  at  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  New 
Hope  Church,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  and  Utoy  Creeks, 
Jonesboro.  Was  in  the  pursuit  of  Hood,  on  the  march  to  the  sea 
and  through  the  Carolinas  to  Bentonville.  Transferred  at  Washing 
ton  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry,  and  discharged  July  12,  1865. 
Lives  at  Cabery,  111.,  and  is  a  farmer. 

DANIEL  McHARRIE.  Enlisted .  Killed  at  Winslow,  S.  C., 

February  20,  1864,  by  guerrillas. 

ALFRED  G.  PARKER.  Enlisted  from  Rutland,  October  3,  1864. 
Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry. 

DAVID  SHAFFER.  Age  23;  born  in  Peru;  enlisted  September 
17,  1864;  was  in  the  battle  of  Bentonville.  Mustered  out  June  6, 
1865.  Lives  in  Peru,  111.  Is  a  machinist. 


506  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

STATISTICS  OF  COMPANY  K. 

Total  enlistment 100 

Killed  and  mortally  wounded 7 

Wounded    18 

Resigned  for  wounds 1 

Resigned    2 

Discharged  for  disability 20 

Discharged  for  wounds 5 

Died  of  disease 4 

Deserted  15 

Mustered  out  June  6,  1865 31 

Mustered  out  at  other  dates 3 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C 4 

Transferred  to  Invalid  Corps 2 

Transferred  to  Thirty-fourth  Illinois  Infantry 4 

Dishonorably  discharged 1 

Accidentally  drowned 1 

Promoted  Hospital  Steward 1 

Known  to  be  living  (December,  1894) 33 


-.. 


•** 

$  x^  Jfs  \ 


•Lieut.  W.  W.  Calkins,  Co.  E. 
J.  G.  Newell,  Co.  E. 
Col.  A.  B.  Moore. 


Corp.  J.  Shapland,  Co.  D 
Sergt.  C.  B.  Cook,  Co.  G. 
E.  C.  Russell,  Co.  E. 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 


Narrative  of  the  Imprisonment  of  Hapeman  and  Widmer,  by  Col 
onel  Douglas  Hapeman— Reminiscence  of  Utoy  Creek,  by  Ma 
jor  John  H.  Widmer— William  M.  Wilson  of  Company  E,  in 
Regard  to  Colonel  Hapeman  at  Peach  Tree  Creek — Reminis 
cence  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  by  Corporal  John  Shapland,  Com- 
pand  D— How  a  Rebel  Lady  Got  Even  with  the  Major,  by  Cor 
poral  John  Shapland,  Company  D— Concluding  Remarks  by 
the  Historian. 


NARRATIVE    OF   THE    IMPRISONMENT    OF    HAPEMAN   AND 
WIDMER.    BY  COLONEL  DOUGLAS  HAPEMAN. 

The  battle  of  Hartsville  had  been  fought  and  we 
were  prisoners!     For  one  hour  and  twenty-five  min 
utes  our  little  Regiment,  less  than  400  strong  (two  com 
panies  had  been  sent  to  Gallatin  and  one  company  Avas 
in  the  village  of  Hartsville),  had  resisted  the  attack  of 
Hanson's  veteran  brigade  of  Kentucky   infantry    and 
Morgan's  cavalry,  over  4,000  strong,  and  supported  also 
by  twelve  pieces  of  artillery,  losing  51  killed  and  105 
wounded.    The  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  and  One  Hun 
dred  and  Eighth  Ohio,  on  our  right,  had  fled  at  the 
first  fire,  leaving  our  flank  exposed,  and  while  Ave  were 
resisting  the  attack  of  the  infantry  in  our  front,  with 
good  prospect  of  repulsing  them,  the  dismounted  cav 
alry  made  an  attack  on  our  right  flank,  almost  sur 
rounding  us,  making  it  necessary  to  fall  back,  and  soon 
compelling  us  to  surrender.     The  Regiment  never  did 
better  fighting,  was  never  more  deserving  of  victory 
As  soon  as  the  firing  ceased  the  rebels  took  possession 
of  our  camp,  destroying  everything  that  they  could  not 
carry  away.     While  we  were  fighting,  our  cook,  Char 
ley  Clark,  got  behind  some    rocks,    and    cooked    our 
breakfast,   and  soon  after  the  surrender   called  out, 
"Colonel,  breakfast  is  ready,"  but  I  was  in  no  mood  for 
eating,  and  told  him  I  did  not  wish  any  breakfast.     I 
wished  many  times  before  night  that  I  had  accepted 
Charley's  invitation.     As  soon  as    possible    we   were 


508  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

formed  in  line  and  marched  to  the  Hartsville  Ferry, 
over  the  Cumberland  River,  about  half  a  mile  distant, 
and  crossed  over  on  horses,  mules  and  wagons.  Major 
Widmer  and  the  writer  were  assigned  to  one  horse,  and 
when  about  half  way  over  the  horse  fell  down,  com 
pletely  immersing  us  in  the  water,  which  was  any 
thing  but  pleasant,  as  the  thermometer  was  only  10 
above  zero.  On  gaining  the  south  bank  of  the  river 
we  passed  the  cavalry  drawn  up  in  line  along  the  road. 
They  were  particularly  anxious  to  get  my  spurs,  and 
kept  calling,  "Yank,  give  me  those  spurs,"  until  I  an 
swered  one  of  them  rather  plainly,  when  he  raised  his 
carbine,  saying,  "I'll  show  you."  I  shut  my  eyes, 
expecting  to  be  shot,  but  he  thought  better  and  let  me 
pass  on.  We  were  now  fairly  started  for  Dixie,  and 
as  the  artillery  of  Harlan's  Brigade  north  of  the  river 
had  opened  on  the  rebels,  we  made  pretty  quick  time. 
The  march  was  severe;  the  weather  was  very  cold  with 
snow  on  the  ground,  and  my  clothes  being  frozen  it 
was  hard  for'ime  to  keep  up.  We  marched  over  twenty- 
five  miles  before  we  went  into  camp  that  night.  We 
passed  through  Lebanon  about  seven  o'clock  in  the  even 
ing,  the  blazing  fires  in  the  large  fireplaces  looking  very 
inviting.  We  went  into  camp  about  five  miles  beyond 
in  a  cedar  thicket.  Having  had  nothing  to  eat  through 
the  day  we  suffered  from  hunger,  while  the  cold  was 
intense,  with  no  blankets.  One  of  the  guards  divided 
his  scanty  rations  with  me,  for  which  I  was  very  thank 
ful.  The  next  morning  we  started  early,  marching  to 
Lebanon  Cross  Roads,  about  five  miles  from  Murf rees- 
boro.  Here  we  halted  and  went  into  camp  in  a  field. 
About  noon  Major  Widmer  and  myself  were  invited  to 
Morgan's  headquarters,  and  this  was  the  last  we  saw 
of  the  Regiment  until  we  were  exchanged,  and  joined 
it  at  Brentwood,  Tennessee,  in  the  following  May.  Gen 
eral  Morgan  invited  us  to  take  dinner  with  him,  he 
having  his  headquarters  at  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Black. 
Several  ladies  of  the  family  were  at  dinner  with  us,  and 
were  very  severe  and  cutting  in  their  remarks  about 
the  Yankees.  In  the  evening  we  were  taken  out  to  the 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  509 

house  of  a  farmer,  a  short  distance  from  Morgan's  head 
quarters,  where  we  staid  during  the  night.    After  the 
battle  of  Hartsville  I  gave  my  sword  to  Lieutenant 
Buchanan,  of  a  Kentucky  regiment,  but  my  pistol  being 
in  my  overcoat  pocket,  I  neglected  to  give  it  to  him. 
When  we  retired  that  night  I  carelessly  exposed  my 
pistol,  so  the  farmer  saw  it,  and  he  took  the  officer  to 
task  for  bringing  enemies  to  his  house  with  arms.    The 
officer  told  him  he  was  responsible  for  his  prisoners, 
and  did  not  care  for  any  interference  on  his  part,  and  it 
seemed  for  awhile  that  blood  would  be  shed.     After 
they  quieted  down  I  told  the  officer  that  I  had  a  pistol, 
and  would  give  it  to  him  if  he  desired  it.    But  he  told 
me  to  keep  it,  and  I  did  so  until  we  reached  Libby 
Prison,  three  months  later,  when  they  searched  me  and 
discovered  the  pistol  and  took  it  away.    The  next  day 
(the  9th  of  December)  we  were  taken  to  Murfreesboro, 
where  we  remained  a  week  under  close  guard,  when 
we  were  sent  to  Chattanooga.    The  party  now  consisted 
of  Major  Widmer  and  myself  and  eleven  other  officers. 
We  were  sent  by  the  Nashville  and  Chattanooga  Rail 
road,  and  had  to  cross  the  Tennessee  River  at  Bridge 
port  on  pontoons,  as  the  bridge  had  been  destroyed. 
We  were  quartered  in  a  house  at  the  foot  of  Cameron 
Hill,  in  Chattanooga,  and  marched  to  a  hotel  on  Mar 
ket  Street  for  our  meals,  which  were  pretty  good  for 
prisoners.     After  remaining  six  days  in  that  town  we 
were  sent  to  Atlanta  and  quartered  in  a  brick  building 
on  the  corner  of  Whitehall  and  Peach  Tree  streets. 
We  were  the  first  prisoners  in  this  building,  and  it  was 
quite  clean  and  not  crowded.     But  soon  the  officers 
taken  prisoners  at  Stone's  River  arriving  the  building 
was  overcrowded  and  we  were  not  able  to  take  good 
care  care  of  ourselves,  while  our  food  was  poor  and 
insufficient.     Among  the  prisoners  from  Stone's  River 
I  remember  General  Willich  and  the  gallant  Colonel 
Miller,  of  the  Thirty-sixth  Illinois,  who  was  afterwards 
killed    at    Kenesaw    Mountain.     Soon    after  reaching 
Atlanta  we  were  notified  that  we  were  held  as  host 
ages  for  General  McNeil,  who  had    ordered    thirteen 


510  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

guerrillas  killed  at  Palmyra,  Mo.,  and  they  would  hold 
thirteen  field  officers  as  hostages  until  General  McNeil 
was  delivered  to  the  rebel  authorities.  The  order  from 
General  Bragg  was  to  hold  us  in  solitary  confinement. 
This  was  not  a  pleasant  announcement,  as  we  knew  our 
Government  would  not  deliver  General  McNeil,  and 
we  would  probably  be  held  until  the  war  was  over,  or 
perhaps  be  shot,  which  would  be  better.  We  passed 
the  time  as  pleasantly  as  possible,  playing  cards,  sing 
ing,  etc.  One  of  our  guards  was  a  whistler  (the  rebels 
never  sang),  and  would  whistle  the  "Bonnie  Blue  Flag" 
continuously  during  the  two  hours  he  w^as  on  guard. 
At  night,  beginning  at  ten  o'clock,  the  watchman  would 
call  out  the  hour,  and  "All's  w-e-1-1."  The  Georgia 
"crackers"  would  bring  in  their  produce  to  sell  to  the 
Yankees  at  fabulous  prices,  charging  fifty  cents  in  Con 
federate  money  for  a  small  onion.  One  day  Major  Wid- 
mer  asked  one  of  them  for  some  peanuts.  The  cracker 
looked  at  him  with  disgust,  saying,  "You-uns  don't 
know  anything;  them's  goobers."  We  had  to  go  after 
water  with  a  Johnny  behind  carrying  a  gun.  One  day 
the  Major  was  in  the  detail,  and  while  on  the  street 
some  of  the  pretty  girls  of  Atlanta  passed,  and  made 
fun  of  him.  The  Major  did  not  appreciate  their  jokes 
and  said  he  would  get  even  with  them.  He  did,  for  he 
was  with  Sherman  when  Atlanta  was  captured  and 
destroyed  in  the  fall  of  1864.  We  had  a  good  deal  of 
trouble  fighting  "those  beasts,"  as  Qeneral  Willich 
called  them,  best  known  to  soldiers  generally  as  "gray- 
backs."  The  literature  we  were  able  to  get  consisted 
of  G.  R.  P.  James'  paper-covered  novels,  and  the  rebel 
papers,  printed  on  wrapping  paper,  containing  their 
version  of  all  the  battles  fought,  and  a  small  amount 
of  foreign  news,  as  that  from  the  United  States  was 
styled.  While  in  Atlanta  we  had  the  pleasure  of  a 
visit  from  Augusta  Evans,  the  novelist.  The  Bishop 
of  Nashville  also  called  on  us  while  he  was  visiting 
the  city.  Our  prison  was  close  to  the  car  shed  and  w^e 
could  see  troops  moving  by  rail  almost  every  day;  also 
supplies  and  ammunition  being  sent  to  the  front,  We 


REGIMENT  IL,    LINOIS   VOLUNTEERS.  511 

were  frequently  short  of  rations,  but  the  rebels  would 
say  it  was  caused  by  raids  the  Yankees  had  made  on 
their  lines  of  communication.  The  prisoners  were 
gradually  sent  away  to  Richmond  and  other  places,  but 
those  held  as  hostages  were  kept  in  Atlanta.  At  last 
they  began  to  send  the  hostages  away,  but  we  did  not 
know  where,  until  but  five  of  us  wrere  left.  Finally 
orders  were  received  to  remove  us,  and  we  were  started 
north  on  the  railroad,  but  did  not  know  where  we  were 
going.  Passing  through  Knoxville  and  Lynchburg  we 
finally  reached  Richmond,  just  before  daylight  on  the 
morning  of  April  13th,  1863.  After  being  marched 
around  Richmond  for  some  hours  we  were  taken  to 
Libby  Prison,  and  after  registering,  became  the  guests 
of  Major  Turner,  the  commandant  of  that  famous  bas- 
tile.  We  were  turned  in  with  the  rest  of  the  prisoners, 
and  our  treatment  was  the  same  as  theirs.  However, 
the  hostages  wrere  gradually  taken  aw^ay,  until  Major 
Widmer  and  myself  were  the  only  ones  left.  About 
ten  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  22d  of  April  the  Ser 
geant  called  Widmer  and  myself  up  and  took  us  down 
into  the  dungeon  of  Libby  Prison.  Why  he  did  so  wre 
were  not  informed;  we  had  not  violated  any  prison  rules 
that  we  knew  of,  and  the  thought  that  we  were  host 
ages,  and  not  prisoners  of  war,  also  the  disappearance 
of  all  the  other  hostages,  made  us  think  that  perhaps 
the  rebels  intended  to  make  way  with  us.  The  hor 
rors  of  that  night  I  cannot  describe.  The  dungeon 
of  Libby  was  in  the  damp  cellar,  into  which  no  light 
ever  shone,  and  it  was  full  of  rats,  vermin  and  all  man 
ner  of  filth.  None  but  the  worst  offenders  were  put  in 
there.  Well  might  it  be  written,  "Let  him  who  enters 
here  leave  hope  behind."  Amid  such  horrors,  tortured 
with  conflicting  emotions,  and  maintaining  a  night  con 
flict  with  the  natural  inhabitants  of  this  vile  hole,  our 
long  vigil  ended  at  last,  and  in  the  morning  we  were 
taken  out,  marched  to  the  depot  and  sent  by  rail  to 
Petersburg,  thence  to  City  Point,  where  we  were 
exchanged  and  put  on  the  flag  of  truce  boat  State  of 
Maine.  We  were  once  more  under  the  glorious  Stars 
and  Stripes,  and  our  joy  can  be  imagined,  not  described. 


512  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

In  going  down  the  James  Elver  a  number  of  rebel  bat 
teries  on  the  banks  were  passed,  and  we  steamed  by 
the  spot  in  Hampton  Roads  where  the  Cumberland  and 
Merrimac  had  their  famous  battle.  The  flag  was  still 
flying  from  the  masthead  of  the  Cumberland,  here 
sunken.  We  reached  Annapolis,  Md.,  the  next  morn 
ing  and  were  assigned  to  duty,  but  were  sent  a  few 
days  later  to  Camp  Chase,  at  Columbus,  Ohio.  On 
arriving  and  reporting  we  were  ordered  to  rejoin  our 
Regiment,  which  we  did  as  soon  as  possible,  and  were 
enabled  to  follow  the  old  flag  to  the  close  of  the  war, 
from  Nashville  to  Tullahoma,  Chickamauga,  Chatta 
nooga,  Lookout  Mountain  and  Mission  Ridge;  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign;  after  Hood  and  to  the  sea;  ending 
with  the  campaign  of  the  two  Carolinas,  Bentonville, 
and  the  surrender  of  the  rebel  army  under  General 
Joseph  E.  Johnston  near  Raleigh. 

REMINISCENCE    OP    UTOY    CREEK.      BY     MAJOR    JOHN    H. 

WIDMER. 

The  following  account  of  an  event  occurring  at  Utoy 
Creek,  Ga.,  was  given  to  the  historian  by  Major  John 
H.  Widmer.  He  being  the  main  actor,  with  his  usual 
reticence,  was  disinclined  to  give  it  any  prominence 
or  publicity,  but  the  writer  thinks  differently.  It  is 
not  only  an  interesting  part  of  the  history  of  the  Regi 
ment,  but  reflects  the  highest  credit  on  the  gallant 
Major.  He  relates  as  f olloAvs : 

"After  the  action  of  August  7th,  1864,  the  position 
of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourth  at  Utoy  Creek  was  a 
peculiarly,  annoying  one.  Our  main  line  was  within 
point  blank  rifle  range  of  the  rebel  skirmish  line,  which, 
too,  was  hidden  in  a  dense  growth  of  pines,  the  same 
ground  where  the  sharpshooter  who  killed  Fitzsim- 
mons,  Craig  and  Graves  was  concealed.  Our  skirmish 
line  was  but  a  short  distance  from  our  main  line;  while 
the  main  line  of  the  rebels  was  a  considerable  distance 
back  of  their  skirmish  line,  and  was  out  of  reach  of  our 
skirmishers.  The  result  being,  as  I  judge,  a  "butcher 
bill"  considerably  in  their  favor.  Our  men  in  the  main 
line  had  to  keep  Very  close  behind  the  works,  but  still 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  513 

several  of  them  were  hit  and  badly  wounded  by  shots 
from  the  pines.  Corporal  Ruble,  then  color  bearer,  was 
one  of  these.  We  had  no  orders  to  drive  the  rebel  skir 
mish  line  out  of  their  position,  and  one  day  the  idea 
occurred  to  me  that  a  little  strategy  to  make  things 
more  even,  would  not  be  out  of  the  way.  I  also  had 
some  curiosity  to  know  just  how  their  skirmish  line 
was  located  in  the  thick  pines.  So,  a  little  after  dark 
I  went  to  every  pit  in  our  skirmish  line  and  told  the 
boys  not  to  fire  any  more  at  the  'Johnnies'  that  night, 
unless  they  made  a  charge.  The  result  was  the  'John 
nies/  meeting  no  reply,  stopped  firing  about  midnight. 
The  left  pit  in  my  line  was  in  an  old  dooryard  and  on 
the  crest  of  a  little  hill.  Opposite  to  it,  about  forty 
yards  distant,  was  the  nearest  rebel  pit,  just  outside 
of  the  thick  pines.  Between  these  two  pits  the  ground 
was  perfectly  clear.  About  three  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing  I  went  to  this  left  pit  of  ours  and  as  soon  as  it  was 
light  enough  to  clearly  see  the  rebel  pit  I  stepped  out 
in  front  of  ours  and  called  out:  'Hello,  Johnny!'  In 
about  two  seconds  a  living  fellow  in  gray  clothes  rose 
up  in  the  other  pit  and  replied,  'Hello,  Yank.'  I  said: 
'I'm  coming  over  there  to  make  you  a  visit.'  'All 
right,'  lie  replied.  I  started  at  once;  he  hesitated  a 
little,  and  then  started,  meeting  me  about  fifteen  steps 
from  his  pit.  We  shook  hands,  and  then  I  gave  him 
my  name  and  rank,  and  informed  him  that  I  had  charge 
of  the  skirmish  line  opposing  his,  and  desired  to  meet 
the  officer  in  charge  of  his  line.  The  man  I  was  talk 
ing  to  was  a  Lieutenant  in,  I  think,  the  Forty-second 
Georgia.  He  informed  me  that  Captain  Ho  well,  of  his 
regiment,  had  charge  of  their  line.  I  inquired  where 
the  Captain  was.  He  pointed  down  the  line  of  pits  as 
it  ran  into  the  pines,  and  said  the  Captain  'was  in  there.' 
I  asked  him  to  accompany  me,  and  we  started  oft*  to 
find  the  Captain.  As  we  went  down  the  line  of  rifle  pits 
in  those  pines  it  may  be  believed  that  I  kept  my  eyes 
wide  open  to  see  how  the  Johnnies  were  fixed  in  them. 
We  soon  met  Captain  Howell,  to  whom  I  was  intro 
duced  by  the  Lieutenant,  and  I  at  once  proceeded  to 


514  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

make  known  my  business.  I  told  the  Captain  I  thought 
we  were  conducting  a  rather  barbarous  warfare  on 
our  part  of  the  line;  that  we  were  now  and  then  break 
ing  an  arm  or  a  leg,  or  killing  some  poor  fellow,  but 
we  were  deciding  nothing,  only  causing  suffering;  and 
I  proposed  a  temporary  truce,  to  let  the  boys  on  both 
sides  have  a  chance  to  shake  hands  and  get  acquainted. 
To  all  this  the  Captain,  who  seemed  to  be  very  much 
of  a  gentleman,  readily  assented.  We  then  agreed  to 
a  truce  to  last  until  either  of  us  received  orders  from 
his  commanding  officer  to  resume  hostilities,  upon 
receipt  of  which  orders  twenty  minutes'  notice  was  to 
be  given  to  the  other  before  any  act  of  hostility  was 
done,  and  when  firing  began  no  attempt  should  be  made 
to  hit  an  opponent  for  the  first  two  or  three  rounds; 
this  to  enable  every  soldier  to  get  safely  back  to  his 
pit.  Before  starting  out  I  had  told  my  boys  that  if  I 
effected  a  truce  I  would  signal  to  them  by  waving  my 
hat.  As  soon  as  the  arrangement  was  completed  I  went 
up  to  the  first  mentioned  rifle  pit  and  gave  the  signal. 
It  was  laughable  to  see  the  way  the  Blue  and  the  Gray 
went  for  each  other.  They  met  and  shook  hands  like 
old  friends.  In  fact  they  had  met  before,  but  not  just 
in  that  way.  Coffee,  corn-bread,  hard-tack,  jack-knives, 
tobacco  and  other  inoffensive  articles  were  freely  ex 
changed,  instead  of  deadly  bullets.  The  deep  Yankee 
hurrah  and  the  shrill  rebel  yell  had  given  way  to 
friendly  jokes  and  conversation.  I  made  it  a  point  to 
praise  the  splendid  fighting  qualities  of  their  people, 
and  to  suggest  that  if  we  were  again  united  we  could 
whip  the  world.  This  did  not  seem  the  least  offensive 
to  those  with  whom  I  talked.  In  fact  the  Lieutenant 
I  first  met  called  me  aside  and,  in  a  low  tone,  asked  me 
what  would  be  done  with  rebel  soldiers  who  volun 
tarily  came  into  our  lines  and  surrendered.  He  told 
me  it  was  the  common  understanding  with  them  that 
deserters  from  their  army  would  be  compelled  to  return. 
I  told  him  our  generals  were  not  fools,  and  I  could 
assure  him  such  soldiers  would  receive  no  worse  treat 
ment  than  that  of  ordinary  prisoners  of  war;  and  that 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  515 

I  thought  it  highly  probable  that  they  would  be  sent 
North  and  set  at  liberty  upon  taking  the  oath  of  alle 
giance  to  the  United  States.  About  nine  o'clock  in  tjie 
forenoon  Captain  Howell  notified  me  that  he  had  orders 
to  resume  hostilities.  This  put  an  end  to  our  truce,  but 
it  bore  fruits  well  worth  the  little  risk  I  ran.  A  night 
or  two  after  some  twenty-five  or  thirty  of  the  Johnnies 
laid  dawn  their  guns  and  came  into  our  lines,  and  I 
do  not  remember  that  we  afterwards  had  a  single  man 
hurt  by  their  fire  a.t  Utoy  Creek.  I  never  made  any 
written  report  of  this  truce,  but  learned,  however,  that 
our  division  commander  was  not  displeased.'7 

WILLIAM    M.     WILSON,     OF    COMPANY    E,    IN     REGARD    TO 
COLONEL  HAPEMAN  AT  PEACH  TREE  CREEK. 

The  following  passages  contained  in  a  letter  to  the 
historian  deserves  insert  ion  in  the  History.  Wilson 
says:  "You  spoke  about  a  picture  of  some  battle  that 
you  desired  to  put  in  the  book.  I  have  in  mind  some 
thing  that  would  be  nice,  a  picture  of  our  Colonel  in 
front  of  our  color  guard  the  morning  of  May  3d,  1864, 
just  before  starting  on  Sherman's  march  to  Buzzard's 
Roost,  when  he  addressed  us  with  earnestness  in  regard 
to  carrying  and  defending  the  flag  in  time  of  battle; 
or  a  picture  of  the  Colonel  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  back 
of  the  Regiment,  in  full  view  of  and  in  range  of  the 
storm  of  lead  that  rained  on  us  that  day.  I  can  never 
forget  the  sight.  After  being  wounded  I  made  for  the 
rear,  a  very  dangerous  move,  and  it  was  then  that  I 
sa\v  the  Colonel.  He  halted  me  and  I  showed  him  my 
shoulder,  upon  which  he  let  me  pass  on.  He  stood  up 
straight  with  his  sword  drawrn  and  revolver  in  hand, 
urging  the  men  to  stand  firm,  every  inch  the  soldier  he 
wras,  and  I  think  yet  it  was  a  wonder  he  escaped  alive; 
he  seemed  to  be  alone  on  top  of  a  knoll  some  thirty  feet 
in  rear  of  Company  E,  where  bullets  were  flying  lively ; 
his  conduct  on  that  day  showed  him  to  be  "the  bravest 
of  the  brave.'  I  wish  I  could  describe  that  battle  in 
fitting  language,  but  I  have  written  hastily,  thinking 
our  Colonel  should  be  remembered." 


616  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

REMINISCENCE    OF    PEACH    TREE    CREEK.      BY    CORPORAL 
JOHN  SHAPLAND,  OF  COMPANY  D. 

I  can  never  forget  May  3d,  1864,  when  we  left 
Graysville,  Ga.,  and  Sherman's  army  began  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  nor  that  little  speech  made  then  by  Colonel 
Hapenian,  in  which  he  said  wTe  were  going  to  take  up 
the  last  grand  march,  and  would  not  stop  until  we 
reached  the  linal  end,  and  how^  true  it  was!  But  I  will 
omit  the  conflicts  and  battles  that  were  fought  in  that 
campaign  and  relate  my  last  experience  at  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  July  20th,  1864.  The  experience  of  that  day  is 
still  as  fresh  in  my  memory  as  though  it  was  but  yes 
terday.  I  was  dowrn  in  the  ravine  cooking  meat  with 
John  McCullough,  of  Company  E,  when  the  firing- 
began.  Leaving  my  meat  I  ran  for  the  hill-top  and 
saw  the  Colonel  swinging  his  sword  and  saying,  "Fall 
in,  men;  fall  in!"  It  was  the  last  call  for  many.  I 
remember  Will  Coyle  and  Otho  Hobart,  both  shot 
through  the  head,  and  by  my  side.  When  I  was  wounded 
I  was  behind  a  log  kneeling  on  one  knee,  and  loading 
my  gun.  The  ball  struck  me  under  the  right  ear  and 
I  fell;  how  long  I  lay  I  cannot  say,  but  coming  to  I 
crept  away,  and  as  I  passed  Company  E,  I  met  the 
friendly  look  of  Captain  Doty,  who  was  soon  after 
killed.  I  can  never  forget  it.  Finally  becoming  lost 
from  my  Regiment  I  brought  up  at  the  Twentieth  Corps 
Hospital  and  was  cared  for  in  the  very  best  manner, 
and  being  unfit  for  duty,  finally  discharged. 

HOW  A  REBEL  LADY  GOT  EVEN  WITH  THE  MAJOR.  REMIN 
ISCENCE.  BY  CORPORAL  JOHN  SHAPLAND,  OF  COM 
PANY  D. 

When  the  battle  of  Hartsville  was  fought  I  was  on 
detail  at  Gallatin  and  remained  there  until  ordered  to 
rejoin  the  Regiment  at  Chicago.  While  at  Gallatin  I 
acted  as  orderly  for  the  provost  marshal  of  the  town. 
His  name  w^as  Escariot,  or  Scariot,  and  he  was  Major 
of  the  Tenth  Michigan.  The  rebel  women  called  him 
Judas  Iscariot.  He  was  very  severe,  stern,  and  fierce 
as  a  Hon.  His  large  black  eyes  would  pierce  through 
his  enemies.  The  Major  issued  an  order  to  all  citizens 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS.  517 

having  soldier's  clothes  (the  blue)  to.  bring  them  to  his 
office.  There  was  one  rebel  lady  who  was  very  bitter 
against  the  Union  men  and  especially  the  Major.  This 
lady  hunted  all  over  the  town  and  getting  the  rag- 
gedest  old  pair  of  bine  pants  she  could  find  sent  them 
to  the  Major  by  a  little  negro  girl.  The  office  was  in 
the  Court  House,  and  when  she  came  no  one  was  in 
but  the  Major  and  myself.  The  girl  came  in,  shutting 
the  door  behind  her,  and  stood  with  her  back  against 
it.  The  Major  eyed  her  a  moment,  then  said:  "What 
do  you  want,  girl?'*  She  replied:  "I  came  to  bring 
you  a  pair  of  pants  niy  missus  sent  you.''  The  Major 
said:  "Hold  them  up,"  and  she  did.  I  don't  know 
when  I  wanted  to  laugh  as  bad  as  then;  there  w^as 
nothing  of  them  but  the  front  part  and  the  seat;  the 
color  could  hardly  be  seen.  The  Major  inquired,  "Who 
is  your  missus?"  On  getting  her  name  the  girl  was 
sent  a\vay,  and  the  Major,  calling  a  Sergeant,  ordered 
him  to  go  and  bring  the  lady  to  his  office.  She  came, 
but  memory  fails  to  recall  the  discourse  that  followed, 
but  it  was  rich  and  spicy,  and  the  lady  was  equal  to 
the  emergency.  The  only  way  the  Major  got  even  was 
to  order  the  Sergeant  to  take  her  to  her  house, 'let  her 
pack  up,  and  she  was  then  ordered  to  be  put  outside 
our  lines.  On  hearing  this  the  lady  backed  out  of  the 
door  with  a  disdainful  look  I  can  never  forget.  But 
she  did  not  go  far  until  she  repented  and  entreated 
the  Sergeant  to  return  and  tell  the  Major  she  was  sorry 
for  what  she  had  done  and  begged  his  pardon.  When 
the  Sergeant  returned  and  presented  her  request  the 
Major  looked  up  with  an  air  of  triumph  and  after  using 
some  harsh  language,  said  she  could  remain,  as  all 
he  wanted  was  an  apology.  The  lesson  was  not  lost 
on  others  who  had  more  valor  than  discretion. 

CONCLUDING  REMARKS.'     BY   THE  HISTORIAN. 

The  total  number  of  officers  and  men  in  the  One 
Hundred  and  Fourth,  including  recruits,  was  nine  hun 
dred  and  ninety-nine.  The  Adjutant-General's  report 
contains  many  errors,  especially  as  to  names,  and  some 
reported  discharged  for  disability  were  really  dis- 


518  THE   ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

charged  for  wounds.  The  Regiment  lost  by  being 
killed  in  battle,  or  mortally  wounded,  one  hundred  and 
twenty  men.  Two  hundred  and  eighty-seven  were 
wounded;  the  total  casualties  were  four  hundred  and 
five.  It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  the  historian  was 
unable  to  consult  the  official  reports  on  file  in  Wash 
ington,  or  after  the  most  diligent  correspondence  to 
get  the  names  of  all  who  were  wounded.  On  this 
account  the  rosters  do  not  give  all  the  casualties.  It 
must  be  remembered  also  that  quite  a  number  were 
wounded  several  times  and  in  different  battles,  and 
each  such  case  should  justly  be  counted  a  new  casu 
alty,  but  have  not  been  so  considered. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


THE  NARRATIVE  OF  MY  ESCAPE  FROM  THE  CONFEDERATE 
MILITARY  PRISON  AT  COLUMBIA,  SOUTH  CAROLINA, 
NOVEMBER  28,  1864,  AFTER  FOURTEEN  MONTHS'  IM 
PRISONMENT.  BY  LIEUT.  WILLIAM  W.  CALKINS,  COM 
PANY  E. 

Many  books  have  been  written  by  those  who  were 
unfortunately  the  guests  of  the  late  Confederate  States 
as  prisoners  of  war.  I  have  read  a  number  of  these 
and  desire  to  say,  that  howeATer  true  they  are,  the 
reality  as  experienced  by  our  men,  was  far  worse  than 
it  is  possible  for  the  most  vivid  language  to  express. 
The  story  of  my  long  imprisonment  in  Libby,  Danville, 
Ma  con,  Charleston  and  Columbia,  it  is  not  my  purpose 
to  relate  now.  My  experience  was  much  the  same  as 
that  of  thousands  of  others.  The  many  narratives  al 
ready  published  will  cover  substantially  my  own  case. 
But  my  escape  from  prison  affords  incidents  that  will 
be  of  interest  to  the  old  soldiers;  to  my  personal 
friends;  and  in  fact  to  all  who  have  not  forgotten  the 
Avar  for  the  union  of  the  states  in  one  indivisible 
nationality. 

The  great  battle  of  Chickamauga  fought  on  the  19th 
and  20th  of  September,  1863,  was  over.  Serving  at 
that  time  on  the  staff  of  General  John  Beatty,  com 
manding  the  First  Brigade,  Second  Division,  Four 
teenth  Army  Corps,  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  I  was 
in  both  days'  combat  and  participated  in  the  last 
fighting  on  "Horse  Shoe  Ridge,"  or  the  "Snodgrass 
farm,"  as  it  is  known.  It  was  there  that  General 
George  H.  Thomas  Avon  immortal  renoAATn  and  his  well- 
earned  title,  the  "Rock  of  Chickamauga!"  There  I  was 
wounded  and  captured.  Darkness  closed  down  on  the 
bloody  scene  with  nearly  33,000  men  killed,  Avounded 
and  missing.  That  night  I  spent  on  the  battlefield 
among  the  dead  and  dying. 


520  THE  ONE  HFNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

The  next  day  along  with  a  great  number  of  other 
prisoners  who  were  captured,  I  was  started  for  Rich 
mond,  and  on  arrival  put  in  the  infamous  "Libby." 
May  7,  1864,  we  were  all  removed  to  Danville,  Va.; 
thence  to  Macon,  Ga.;  from  there  in  July  to  Charles 
ton,  S.  C.,  the  birthplace  of  secession,  where  we  were 
confined  in  what  was  known  as  the  "workhouse,"  for 
merly  a  negro  prison. 

Night  and  day  we  listened  to  the  scream  and  roar 
of  the  shells  from  Gilmore's  batteries  as  they  came  on 
errands  of  death  and  destruction  over  our  heads.  We 
listened  with  pleasure  to  these  reminders  that  "our 
flag  was  still  there."  The  shells  being  mostly  percus 
sion,  did  not  explode  till  they  struck  something.  Oc 
casionally,  however,  a  fuse  shell  burst  over  us,  some  of 
the  pieces  striking  the  prison. 

While  in  this,  the  worst  prison  hell  I  had  yet  seen, 
the  yellow  fever  broke  out  and  carried  off  numbers  of 
our  men.  I  can  never  forget  the  scenes  and  horrors  of 
those  days.  I  had  been  sick  all  summer  and  had  be 
come  reduced  in  weight  from  one  hundred  and  seventy 
to  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds.  The  yellow  fever 
I  regarded  with  indifference,  having  reached  a  condi 
tion  where  with  disease  and  death  all  around,  I  could 
look  unmoved  upon  it  all.  Amid  these  scenes  the  music 
overhead  day  and  night,  was  a  positive  relief,  and  our 
sleep  undisturbed  by  the  uproar. 

Early  in  October  about  twelve  hundred  of  us  were 
transferred  to  Columbia,  S.  C.  We  were  corralled  in  a 
vacant  lot  near  the  depot  and  kepi  there  twenty-four 
hours  in  the  midst  of  a  driving  rain.  Many  were  hat- 
less  and  shoeless,  while  others  were  sick.  No  rations 
were  issued  and  all  we  had  to  eat  was  the  remnant  of 
corn  pone  and  meal  we  had  brought  with  us.  Finally 
we  were  marched  out  to  a  plantation  near  Columbia, 
which  it  was  announced  would  be  our  quarters  for  the 
present.  No  shelter  of  any  kind  was  provided.  But 
there  was  a  growth  of  young  pines  in  the  camp,  and 
the  ingenuity  of  the  prisoners  enabled  them  to  build 
huts,  and  construct  burrows  partly  under  ground, 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  521 

which,  covered  with  limbs  and  dirt,  afforded  cover  and 
some  degree  of  comfort.  My  two  messmates  and  my 
self  constructed  one  of  these,  which  we  had  enjoyed  a 
week  when  I  escaped.  I  had  been  meditating  on  this 
scheme  for  some  time  and  on  the  28th  of  November 
put  it  into  execution  by  running  the  guard  line  thrown 
around  the  camp,  and  taking  to  the  surrounding 
woods.  Others  had  planned  to  escape  the  same  day, 
and  whilst  lying  concealed  I  heard  them  approaching, 
and  joined  the  party.  They  were:  Colonel  Sanford 
and  Captains  Nichols  and  Dennis  of  the  Seventh  Con 
necticut  Infantry;  Captain  Elder  and  Lieutenant  Egan, 
First  United  States  Artillery;  Captain  Belger,  First 
Khode  Island  Artillery;  Captain  Randolph,  One  Hun 
dred  and  Twenty-third  Ohio  Infantry,  and  Hendricks 
of  a  Michigan  battery. 

The  plan  Avas  to  march  to  the  Congaree  river,  about 
ten  miles  from  Columbia,  secure  a  boat  and  float  down 
the  Congaree  and  Santee  rivers  to  the  ocean,  where 
we  expected  to  be  picked  up  by  one  of  our  war  vessels 
which  we  knew  was  blockading  the  mouth  of  the  San- 
tee  river  and  Georgetown,  situated  near  by.  Mean 
time,  the  darkness  had  become  more  intense,  much  to 
our  joy,  and  we  started  out  to  find  the  turnpike  lead 
ing  from  Columbia  to  Charleston,  as  this  was  on  our 
line  of  march.  We1  were  now  a  half  mile  or  more  from 
prison  and  moved  very  slowly  and  cautiously  through 
the  woods,  not  knowing  what  moment  we  might  be 
challenged  by  concealed  pickets.  Whilst  stopping  for 
a  while  to  take  our  bearings,  we  heard  a  rustling  in 
the  bushes  near  by.  We  at  once  lay  flat  and  motion 
less.  No  doubt  our  hearts  beat  faster  as  we  saw  com 
ing  toward  us  a  file  of  eight  rebel  soldiers.  On  they 
came,  nearer  and  nearer,  passing  by  only  a  few  feet 
distant.  I  could  have  touched  them  by  reaching  out 
my  hand.  For  a  few  moments  it  looked  dubious  for 
us.  They  were  in  single  file  and  had  been  out  in  pur 
suit  of  us,  but  were  now  on  their  way  to  camp.  When 
the  danger  was  over  we  felt  much  relieved  and  as 
though  Providence  was  with  us.  AVe  now  moved  on  as 


522  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

fast  as  possible  consistent  with  caution,  but  had  not 
gone  far  when  we  almost  ran  into  a  picket  post.    The 
pickets,  however,  did  not  see  us,  nor  hear  the  ominous 
crackling  of  the  leaves  under  our  feet.     We  retreated 
for  some  distance  on  our  hands  and  knees,  and  then 
flanked  our  enemies  without  discovery.     In  a  short 
time  we  reached  the  desired  pike  and  walked  rapidly 
on  conversing  only  in  whispers  and  scanning  every  ob 
ject,  half  expecting  every  moment  to  see  a  rebel  sol 
dier  spring  up  and  halt  us.    We  had  perhaps  gone  a 
mile  wrhen  suddenly  there  stood  before  us  in  the  road 
the  figure  of  a  man  perfectly  motionless.     This  pro 
duced  a  panic  at  once.     Some  ran  one  way,  some  an 
other.     But  we  soon  recovered  our  wits.     Knowing 
that  he  must  have  seen  us,  we  walked  boldly  up  and 
asked  him  who  he  was.    To  this  he  replied  by  a  similar 
inquiry,  and  we  knew  at  once  that  he  could  not  be  an 
enemy.    We  soon  recognized  one  of  our  fellow  prison 
ers,  who  had  escaped  a  few  days  beforehand  had  been 
concealed  by  a  Union  man  in  Columbia.    He  was  pro 
vided  with  a  pass  representing  that  he  was  a  Quarter 
master  in  the  rebel  service.     Armed  with  this,  some 
provisions,  and  a  bottle  of  whisky,  he  was  now  on  his 
way  to  take  the  cars  at  a  way  station  for  Charleston. 
Once  there  he  proposed  to  get  a  boat  and  reach  our 
blockaders,  on  our  lines  near  the  city.    WTe  bade  him 
an  earnest  Godspeed  and  again  resumed  the  march 
toward  freedom.    It  must  have  been  nearly  11  o'clock 
then  and  we  quickened  our  pace,  feeling  every  moment 
in  better  spirits.     Although  in  the  very  heart  of  the 
enemy's  country  we  were  again  free,  a  somewhat  novel 
but   exquisite  sensation   after  our  long   confinement 
and  sufferings.     Thus  we  continued  on  all  night,  only 
stopping  occasionally  to  rest.     The  turnpike  afforded 
good  walking  and  we  could  see  a  long  distance  ahead. 
Only  one  more  incident  of  importance  occurred  this 
first  night  out.    We  had  gone  some  ten  miles,  when  we 
observed  a  fire  by  the  roadside.     Xot  knowing  what 
danger  might  be  there,  we  flanked  it  by  going  some 
distance  around  and  through  a  swamp.    After  this  we 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  523 

again  struck  the  pike  and  traveled  on,  unconscious  of 
the  flight  of  time,  until,  breaking  day  warned  us  that 
we  must  conceal  ourselves.  Unfortunately  we  were 
near  a  little  village,  but  we  hastened  into  a  piece  of 
woods,  and  weary  with  the  journey,  lay  down.  We 
were  hungry,  too,  having  brought  very  little  with  us 
in  our  hasty  exit  from  Camp  Sorghum. 

When  full  daylight  on  the  29th  came,  we  saw  to  our 
dismay  that  outside  of  the  little  patch  of  woods  in 
which  we  lay,  were  houses  in  every  direction.  It 
seemed  that  nothing  but  the  utmost  caution  on  our 
part,  and  good  fortune,  could  save  us  from  being  dis 
covered  before  night.  As  the  day  advanced  we  could 
both  hear  and  see  the  children  at  play  only  a  few  rods 
distant.  We  lay  very  quiet,  not  daring  to  stand  up  or 
move  about.  Hour  after  hour  wore  away  in  painful 
anxiety,  while  our  hunger  increased.  After  what 
seemed  an  eternity  to  us,  night  cast  its  welcome  shades 
about  us  and  we  were  again  saved  by  that  gracious 
Providence  watching  over  all.  During  the  day  we 
had,  by  consulting  our  map,  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  we  must  have  traveled  twenty  miles  the  previous 
night,  and  ten  miles  further  than  was  intended  or  de 
sirable,  on  account  of  obtaining  a  boat  on  the  river.  It 
was  decided  to  march  back  over  the  road  we  had  come, 
and  with  the  stealthy  tread  of  a  cat  we  left  the  wood 
when  it  was  quite  dark,  regained  the  turnpike  and 
toiled  wearily  along.  The  cause  of  this  was  intense 
hunger.  We  also  became  sleepy  and  finally  the  column 
extended  along  the  road  for  some  distance.  At  last 
those  ahead  halted  until  all  came  up.  After  a  con 
sultation  and  rest  we  marched  on  in  single  file,  keeping 
on  the  shaded  side  of  the  road.  Soon  we  met  a  man  on 
horseback  and  expected  trouble,  but  much  to  our  sat 
isfaction  he  did  not  attempt  to  interview  us.  By  this 
time  we  were  all  becoming  very  weak,  and  realized 
that  food  must  be  had.  This  could  only  come  from  the 
black  man,  and  I  volunteered  to  find  it,  the  party 
agreeing  to  wait  a  reasonable  time  for  me  to  return,  it 


524  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

being  uncertain  whether  I  would  succeed,  or  what 
fate  might  befall  me. 

I  then  left  the  party  andj  traveled  along  until  I  came 
to  a  private  road,  which  I  knew  would  lead  to  a  planta 
tion.  Proceeding  down  this  a  quarter  of  a  mile  or 
so,  I  saw  some  lights  to  the  right,  also  a  large  house 
and  the  usual  negro  quarters.  One  of  the  latter  was 
near  the  fence,  and  scaling  this  cautiously,  fortunately 
no  dogs  disturbed  me,  I  reconnoitered  the  inside 
through  the  openings  between  the  logs,  which  were 
plenty  enough,  and  to  my  delight  I  saw  sitting  before 
the  rude  fireplace  a  large  black  woman  who,  with  her 
hands  on  her  knees,  seemed  to  be  watching  intently  a 
pot  boiling  over  the  fire.  Was  ever  sight  more  wel 
come!  I  knew  by  the  savory  odors  that  meat  was  in 
that  pot.  Forgetting  all  else  I  hurried  around  to  the 
door  and  walked  in.  For  a  moment  the  surprise  of  my 
sable  friend  was  something  wonderful,  then  as  I  ex 
plained  matters  and  for  proof  pointed  to  the  glittering 
buttons  on  my  threadbare  coat,  she  let  me  know  that 
I  was  welcome.  Meantime,  with  hunger  gnawing  at 
my  vitals,  reminding  me  of  my  errand,  I  approached 
the  fireplace  and  took  a  piece  of  meat  from  the  pot 
without  ceremony,  but  made  hurried  apologies.  My 
friend  removed  some  ashes  from  the  hearth  and  re 
vealed  a  beautiful  corn  pone.  While  eating  ravenous 
ly,  I  informed  the  hostess  about  my  party  and  ar 
ranged  with  her  to  feed  them,  which  she  agreed  to 
do  after  going  out  and  bringing  in  her  "old  man,"  as 
she  called  him,  to  see  me.  They  directed  me  to  bring 
the  party  to  the  woods  near  by,  as  it  was  very  unsafe 
for  even  myself  to  be  in  the  house.  I  then  returned 
with  a  light  heart  and  rapid  steps  to  my  fellow  fugi 
tives,  who  were  impatiently  awaiting  my  arrival.  We 
were  not  long  in  going  down  the  lane  and  to  the  ap 
pointed  place.  Our  black  friends  soon  after  appeared 
and  set  before  us  three  dishes,  wrhich  contained  about  a 
peck  of  boiled  sweet  potatoes,  two  gallons  of  rice,  and 
a  few  slices  of  fried  bacon.  We  had  none  of  those 
luxuries — knives,  forks  and  plates,  but  with  our  hands 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  525 

and  fingers  in  vigorous  operation,  proceeded  to  satisfy 
nature's  demands.  In  ten  minutes  not  a  thing  re 
mained  and  all  felt  happy  again.  One  of  the  party 
gave  our  kind  friends  a  |20  Confederate  note  in  pay 
ment  for  their  hospitality,  which  pleased  them  very 
much.  The  woman  said  that  she  knew  as  soon  as  I 
entered  the  house  that  I  was  "One  ob  dem  Yankees" 
by  my  buttons.  We  told  them  that  "Massa  Sherman" 
would  soon  come  along  and  make  them  all  free.  They 
had  heard  of  him  and  were  looking  for  him.  We  then 
bade  a  hearty  good-by  to  these,  our  only  friends,  and 
again  resumed  the  march,  but  in  far  better  spirits  than 
for  many  hours  previous. 

We  had  gone  several  miles  when  a  noise  in  the 
brush  by  the  side  of  the  road  startled  us.  After  much 
reconnoitering,  on  both  sides,  we  advanced,  when  our 
imaginary  foes  turned  out  to  be  a  Lieutenant  of  the 
Seventy-ninth  New  York  and  Lieutenant  Watson  of 
the  Tw^enty-first  Wisconsin.  They  had  escaped  also, 
and  were  going  down  the  river  in  a  canoe.  We  left 
them  and  soon  after  came  to  a  road,  which  from  the 
description  we  had  of  it  from  our  colored  friends, 'we 
believed  led  to  the  river.  Yet  another  surprise  was  in 
store  for  us,  when  there  suddenly  appeared  from  among 
the  trees,  two  more  of  our  fellow  prisoners,  Captain 
Nichols  and  Captain  Hart.  Thus  reinforced  we 
marched  on  until  near  the  river. 

The  night  was  now  far  spent  and  in  order  to  guard 
as  much  as  possible  against  discovery,  we  waded  for  a 
long  distance  through  a  dense  swamp  of  cypress, 
briars  and  water,  where  the  traveling  was  necessarily 
slow,  and  was  the  occasion  of  much  complimentary 
language  and  of  merriment  also,  as  we  thought  of  the 
ludicrous  appearance  we  would  have  made  could  our 
friends  at  home  have  seen  us.  Coming  at  last  to  a  dry 
place  we  halted  and  lay  down,  but  were  cold,  wet  and 
in  every  way  uncomfortable.  Sleep  was  impossible 
and  we  longed  for  the  morning.  While  it  was  yet  dark 
on  the  30th,  Captain  Dennis  set  out  to  explore  the  land 
and  find  a  friendly  negro,  who  would  feed  and  assist 


526  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

us.  Some  time  after  daylight  appeared  Captain  Den 
nis  returned  successful,  and  reported  that  we  were  on 
Adam  Keeger's  plantation,  ten  miles  from  Columbia. 
He  had  found  a  friendly  black  man  named  Joe,  who 
agreed  to  feed  and  assist  us.  Joe  thought  we  could  get 
a  boat  without  much  trouble.  About  an  hour  after 
ward  Joe  appeared  bringing  with  him  some  corn  pone. 
Telling  us  to  remain  quiet  he  went  away.  In  another 
hour  he  came  back  and  said  that  his  master  and  others 
were  going  to  run  the  hounds  after  Yankees  and  de 
serters,  whose  tracks  had  been  found  on  the  highway. 
This  looked  dark  for  us,  but  Joe  said  he  would  take 
care  of  the  party,  and  as  it  was  not  safe  where, we  were, 
told  us  to  follow  him  in  single  file  and  so  as  to  show 
but  one  track.  This  we  did  with  some  misgivings,  as 
is  was  now  broad  day.  He  led  us  out  of  the  SAvamp 
and  through  a  tangled  undergrowth  of  bushes  and 
briars  to  an  old  barn  about  one  hundred  rods  off.  Here 
we  found  a  very  comfortable  place  in  the  hay  mow  and 
lay  down  to  await  developments.  Not  long  did  we 
have  to  wait  before  the  yelp  of  bloodhounds  in  the  dis 
tance  announced  that  our  fate  would  soon  be  decided. 
Then  the  hoarse  bay  of  the  pack  died  away  or  was 
faintly  borne  to  us  in  distant  echoes.  Soon  all 
was  still  and  after  a  while,  the  dark  face  of  Joe,  our 
preserver,  appeared  in  the  barn.  His  face  was  now 
lighted  up,  and  we  knew  that  we  were  again  saved. 
Joe  said  that  the  hounds  had  lost  the  scent  in  the 
swamp  and  the  pursuers  had  drawn  them  off  and  given 
up  the  chase.  We  now  felt  much  relieved  and  being 
hungry  helped  ourselves  to  a  basket  of  persimmons 
which  Joe  had  in  the  barn.  We  learned  from  him  that 
there  was  a  boat  on  the  river  not  far  off,  and 
he  agreed  to  conduct  us  to  it  after  dark.  We 
passed  the  day  in  telling  stories,  eating  persimmons 
and  sleeping,  now  quite  certain  that  no  one  would  dis 
turb  us. 

In  the  afternoon  Colonel  Sanford  and  myself  went 
outside  to  take  a  smoke  and  get  a  little  fresh  air,  there 
by  having  a  narrow  escape  from  being  discovered.  We 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  527 

were  sitting  by  the  barn  near  which  ran  a  little  creek, 
when  a  white  man — a  brother  of  Keeger's — was  dis 
covered  by  the  watchful  and  faithful  Joe,  approaching 
the  creek  to  water  his  horse.    We  hurriedly  re-entered 
the  barn  and  stayed  there.    Joe  said  that  Keeger  was 
an  old  man  and  partially  blind,  had  it  not  been  for  this 
he  might  have  seen  us.    Thus  the  long  day  wore  away 
and  the  welcome  shades  of  night  approached.     We 
were  impatient  to  be  off  when  Joe  came  in  and  told  us 
that  he  had  been  to  the  river  and  found  the  boat  gone. 
He  said  it  was  owned  by  two  white  men,  who  made  a 
living  by  carrying  wood  to  Columbia,  that  they  had 
gone  there  and  would  not  be  back  until  to-morrow, 
therefore  the  best  thing  that  we  could  do  would  be  to 
wait.    This  was  a  great  disappointment.    Some  of  the 
party  thought  that  Joe  was  getting  ready  to  betray 
us.     Others  were  afraid  we  might  be  discovered  by 
staying.     But  as  none  of  us  were  in  any  condition  to 
travel  on  foot,  some  being  nearly  barefooted,  it  was 
decided  to  wait  another  day.    Joe  brought  us  a  little 
food,  but  not  enough  to  satisfy  our  appetites.     Most 
of  us  had  no  overcoats  or  blankets,  and  our  nearly 
threadbare  uniforms  were  a  poor  protection  against 
the  cold  of  night  at  this  season  of  the  year  in  the 
southern  swamps.    But  we  were  free,  this  warmed  our 
blood  and  nerved  us  for  all  trials.    So  we  went  to  bed  in 
the  barn,  crawling  under  the  hay,  with  many  jokes 
and  in  good  spirits,  and  withal,  thankful  to  God  for 
the  mercies  shown  us. 

The  morning  of  December  1st  we  were  aroused  long 
before  daylight  by  the  voice  of  Joe,  who-  wanted  us  to 
leave  at  once.  It  did  not  take  long  to  make  our  toilets. 
We  did  not  stop  to  brush  off  the  hayseed,  but  marched 
out  and  followed  our  guide,  who  conducted  us  for  some 
distance  into  a  swamp  to  a  very  nice  hiding  place, 
where  as  Joe  said,  "De  debbil  hisself"  could  not  find  us. 
Many  a  runaway  slave  had  hidden  there.  It  was  very 
cold  on  this  December  morning  and  as  Joe  said  it 
would  be  safe,  we  built  a  fire.  Later  when  the  sun 
had  risen  high  enough  we  did  not  need  it.  This  day 


528  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

was  a  long  one  for  us,  but  night  came  at  last  and  with 
it  our  friend  Joe,  who  told  us  the  joyful  news  that  the 
boat  was  all  right  and  chained  up  to  a  tree  and  he 
would  take  us  to  it.  Joe  then  went  away  for  a  while. 
About  eight  o'clock  he  returned — this  time  on  a  mule. 
Joe  directed  us  to  march  on  his  left  about  a  rod,  so 
that  no  one  could  connect  us  in  any  way  with  the  mule 
tracks.  His  riding  prevented  any  possibility  of  the 
hounds  scenting  him.  Thus  we  marched  for  some  two 
miles  in  a  zig-zag  course  and  across  another  plantation, 
to  reach  the  boat,  which  in  a  direct  course  was  only  one 
mile  from  where  we  left  the  swamp.  In  this  as  in  all 
of  Joe's  operations  he  acted  with  great  cunning,  and 
as  a  strategist  would  outrank  some  of  our  generals. 
At  last  after  many  turnings  and  much  Aveariness  we 
came  suddenly  to  the  river  we  had  so  longed  to  see — 
the  Congaree — flowing  along,  gloomy  and  sullen,  broad 
and  deep,  looking  in  the  darkness  like  another  Styx, 
over  whose  bosom  we  must  travel  many  a  day  before 
reaching  the  happy  Elysian  fields  beyond.  Oh,  free 
dom  !  who  but  those]  who  have  been  deprived  of  it  know 
the  sweetness  of  thy  name!  There  lay  the  boat  at 
anchor. 

We  bade  Joe  good-by  with  both  sorrow  and  joy,  for 
he  had  been  a  good  and  true  friend  to  us,  and  we  kneAv 
not  where  we  should  find  another.  We  unloosed  the 
chain  that  held  the  boat  and  with  beating  hearts  sailed 
out  on  the  unknown  river.  The  boat  which  was  thus  im 
pressed  to  carry  us  and  our  fortunes,  was  about  fifty 
feet  long  and  sixteen  w^ide,  strongly  built  of  hewed  pine 
logs,  and  made  for  carrying  wood.  It  had  no  deck  and 
was  clumsy  and  unwieldy.  We  found  two  large  rough 
made  oars  in  it.  These1  we  used  to  propel  the  boat  and 
also  to  keep  warm,  for  the  nights  were  very  cold.  We 
found  the  river  swift,  and  knowing  it  was  full  of  snags, 
one  of  the  party  served  as  a  lookout  for  these.  Under 
the  combined  influence  of  the  oars  and  the  current  we 
sped  swiftly  along  during  the  whole  night.  Only  once 
did  we  meet  with  any  trouble.  This  was  caused  by  a 
snag  and  delayed  us  two  hours.  Finally  we  released 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  529 

the  boat  and  after  that  sailed  on  until  daylight  of 
the  2nd.  Finding  no  creek  to  run  into  we  were  obliged 
to  tie  up  by  the  bank,  where  we  were  liable  to  be  seen 
should  any  one  pass  along.  The  rest  of  the  party  hid 
in  a  ravine  near  by  while  I  acted  as  sentinel,  for  this 
purpose  posting  myself  on  the  bank  out  of  sight.  Pretty 
soon  I  saw  a  dog  running  down  toward  the  river  and 
a  black  man  following  after.  Knowing  that  if  no  ex 
planation  was  made  he  would  probably  report  what  he 
had  found,  I  called  to  him  and  soon  discovered  that  he 
could  be  depended  upon.  I  then  conducted  him  to  the 
ravine  and  he  had  a  chance  to  see  some  live  Yankees, 
which  seemed  to  please  him  very  much.  He  informed 
us  that  we  were  upon  the  plantation  ofi  General  Pierce 
Butler.  His  house  could  be  seen  from  the  bluff  near  by. 
He  also  told  us  that  his  own  name  was  Uncle  Casey, 
and  he  was  eighty  years  old.  After  some  further  talk 
he  left  agreeing  to  come  back  after  dark  with  provi 
sions.  We  were  hungry,  but  it  would  not  be  safe  for 
him  to  visit  us  in  daylight.  Nothing  of  an  exciting- 
character  occurred  after  this  during  our  stay  on 
Butler's  plantation.  With  night  came  Casey  and  his 
"ole  woman"  each  bringing  corn  pone  and  bacon, 
which  answered  for  our  supper.  The  old  people  were 
very  glad  to  serve  us  and  no  doubt  cleaned  out  their 
own  larder  in  doing  so.  They  informed  us  that  six 
miles  below  was  a  railroad  bridge  which  was  guarded 
by  soldiers  and  advised  us  to1'  be  careful  and  not  to  start 
early,  as  the  new  moon  would  make  it  too  light.  How 
ever,  we  were  anxious  to  be  off,  and  bidding  our  aged 
friends  good-by,  went  aboard  the  boat  and  floated 
down  the  river  some  three  miles.  We  then  pulled 
ashore  and  tied  up  to  a  tree,  resolved  to  wait  until 
later  before  attempting  to  pass  through  the  bridge. 
While  thus  waiting  a  light  was  discovered  in  a  cane 
brake  near  by.  A  closer  survey  made  by  some  of  the 
party  resulted  in  finding  that  it  proceeded  from  a  negro 
hut.  Inside  were  two  men  and  a  woman,  and  a  fresh 
killed  beef  lay  in  one  corner.  The  occupants  of  this 
dismal  abode  were  fugitive  slaves  who  said  they  had 


530  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

been  there  two  years  unmolested  and  lived  by  hunting, 
which  might  be  called  stealing  by  some.  In  this  dense 
swamp  the  chances  of  discoverey  and  capture  were 
slight  in  these  war  times.  Our  visit  was  a  surprise  to 
them,  but  they  were  glad  to  see  a  real  Yankee  and  gave 
much  information  of  value  to  us.  For  five  dollars  in 
Confederate  money,  a  quarter  of  beef  was  secured  and 
taken  aboard  our  boat. 

It  was  now  nine  o'clock  or  later,  and  leaving  the 
cane  brake  and  the  darkies,  we  again  resumed  our 
journey,  and  soon  after  approached  the  bridge,  where 
once  more  the  chances  of  escape  and  discovery 
seemed  about  even.  As  we  drew  near  all  lay  down 
along  the  gunwales  except  Captain  Nichols,  who  acted 
as  helmsman  and  pilot.  The  current  ran  near  the 
right  bank  so  that  we  had  to  follow  it.  It  was  not 
very  dark  and  we  could  see  a  sentinel  walking  his  beat 
on  the  bridge  while  a  party  of  soldiers  were  sitting 
around  a  camp  fire  on  the  bank,  evidently  engaged  in 
some  game,  probably  cards.  Our  boat  impelled  by  the 
swift  current  rushed  through  arid  so  near  the  pier  of 
the  bridge  that  nothing  but  the  skill  and  strength  of 
Nichols  saved  her  from  striking.  When  through  the 
Captain  stooped  down  and  let  her  float.  Not  a  word 
was  spoken  nor  a  move  made  for  some  moments,  when 
having  gone  quite  a  distance  we  resumed  the  oars  and 
a  bend  in  the  river  hid  us  from  our  enemies.  Another 
great  peril  was  passed  and  we  again  had  reason  to  be 
thankful  to  the  great  Preserver  of  all.  Our  remarkable 
success  thus  far  augured  well  for  the  future  and  we 
were  happy.  For  the  next  two  or  three  miles  our 
passage  wras  smooth,  but  by  some  means  we  now  got 
into  the  wrong  channel,  one  made  by  the  river  breaking 
over  a  bend.  Our  boat  being  heavy  and  unwieldy  we 
could  not  return  and  so  had* to  go  on.  For  several  miles 
we  ran  from  snag  to  snag  and  eddy  to  eddy  with  light 
ning  like  velocity  expecting  often  to  be  dashed  to 
pieces  or  become  fixed  on  a  snag  so  we  could  not  get 
off.  But  at  last  we  emerged  from  these  dangers  and 
found  ourselves  at  the  confluence  of  the  Congaree  and 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  §31 

Wateree  rivers,  which  here  form  the  Santee — a  broad 
and  noble  river.  We  then  floated  on  all  night  without 
any  more  startling  adventures,  glad  enough  to  have  a 
little  rest  after  the  excitement  of  the  day.  At  daylight 
of  the  3rd,  we  anchored  in  a  cane  brake.  • 

We  spent  the  day  in  sleeping  and  eating  by  turns. 
Our  only  food  was  the  beef,  for  which  we  had  no  salt, 
but  the  fierceness  of  our  appetites  served  in  place  of 
condiments.  One  of  the  party  did  some  reconnoitering, 
but  failed  to  find  any  signs  of  civilization  in  sight. 
However,  we  were  contented,  as  all  we  wanted  was  to 
be  let  alone.  Around  us  in  every  direction  were  im 
mense  cane  brakes,  which  grew  very  thick  and  tall, 
and  were  well  calculated  to  hide  us  from  unwelcome 
visitors.  The  only  danger  was  that  some  stray  boat 
might  come  along  the  river.  But  the  day  passed  quiet 
ly  and  at  dark  we  again  set  out  on  our  voyage.  We 
made  probably  forty  miles  that  night.  No-  exciting 
incidents  occurred  to  vary  the  monotony.  The  night 
was  cold  and  we  rowed  by  turns,  by  which  means  we 
managed  to  keep  warm.  During  the  night  a  flatboat 
manned  by  negroes  passed  us.  We  gave  them  plenty 
of  sea  room,  as  wTe  did  not  w^ish  to  talk.  Between  row 
ing  the  boat,  watching  for  snags,  and  other  possible 
dangers,  daylight  came  sooner  than  we  expected. 
From  our  calculations  we  were  now  not  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  from  the  sea,  and  as  we  approached  the 
goal  of  freedom  our  anxiety  became  more  intense  to 
reach  it.  To  fail  now  would  be  almost  unbearable,  so 
we  nerved,  ourselves  for  the  last  struggle. 

At  daybreak  of  the  4th  we  tied  up  in  a  canebrake, 
which  seemed  to  extend  for  miles  in  all  directions. 
The  last  of  our  beef  disappeared  at  breakfast,  and  still 
we  were  hungry  and  must  remain  so  until  night  at 
least,  as  to  venture  out  in  daylight  for  food  would  im 
peril  the  safety  and  success  of  the  whole  party.  The 
day  passed  quietly  and  at  dark  Sanford  and  Kandolph 
started  on  ahead,  in  a  little  "dug  out"  that  we  had  con 
fiscated,  for  the  purpose  of  finding  some  friendly 
blacks  who  would  feed  us  and  give  information  as  to 


532  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

our  route  and  the  distance  from  the  mouth  of  the  San- 
tee.  We  followed  some  time  after  in  the  liat  and  had 
made  a  mile  or  more  when  we  heard  the  Colonel's  sig 
nal  from  shore  and  hauled  in.  The  boat  was  chained 
to  a  convenient  tree.  This  done,  what  was  our  surprise 
to  see  about  twenty  negroes — men  and  women,  each 
having  in  hand  provisions  for  us.  These  were  put  on 
board.  Sanford  and  Randolph  had  evidently  struck 
the  right  place. 

Our  inventory  of  stores  received  from  these  kind 
friends  footed  up  about  five  bushels  of  sweet  potatoes, 
eight  chickens,  two  quarts  of  boiled  rice,  and  a  small 
piece  of  bacon,  enough  we  believed  to  last  us  through. 
We  spent  some  moments  in  conversation.  It  seemed 
like  meeting  old  and  tried  friends.  The  blacks  were 
overjoyed  to  see  us  and  could  hardly  keep  quiet.  They 
told  us  that  General  Sherman  Avas  reported  marching 
through  the  country  and  they  expected  to  see  him  any 
day.  All  were  anxious  to  have  us  take  them  along,  but 
of  course  we  could  not  think  of  such  a  thing,  so  we  con 
soled  them  with  assurances  that  they  would  soon  be 
free.  One  of  the  party,  who  was  a  body  servant  to  his 
master,  said  he  could  read  and  write.  This  he  had 
secretly  learned  to  do.  He  was  well  posted  and  gave 
us  much  valuable  news  which  he  had  either  heard  or 
read.  There  was  now  no  doubt  in  our  minds  that  our 
armies  were  on  the  march,  we  knew  not  exactly  where, 
but  the  thought  that  they  were  triumphant  was  suffi 
cient  for  us  to  know^,  in  order  to  raise  our  spirits  and 
determination  to  the  highest  pitch. 

We  bade  our  friends  a  heartfelt  farewell  at  last, 
unloosed  the  chain  which  held  our  boat  and  floated  off 
in  the  darkness,  followed  by  the  prayers  and  longings 
of  our  dusky  succorers.  We  were  ravenous  for  food 
and  it  had  been  provided.  Before  our  hunger  was 
satisfied  a  goodly  portion  disappeared.  But  with  a  big 
stock  of  potatoes  we  felt  safe  from  further  absolute 
want.  We  had  made  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  when 
we  passed  the  residence  of  the  owner  of  the  slaves  who 
had  fed  us.  This  was  a  large  fine-looking  house,  stand- 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  533 

ing  near  the  river.  The  proprietor  was  a  Major  in  the' 
rebel  army  and  then  at  home  on  account  of  a  wound  he 
had  received.  We  concluded  not  to  call  on  him  and  kept 
on  down  the  river,  the  broad  Santee  bearing  us  slowly 
but  surely  toward  the  mighty  ocean — and  freedom. 
During  the  night  we  ran  under  another  bridge,  which 
was  closely  guarded,  but  no  one  saw  us,  at  least  did 
not  hail  us".  The  river  was  now  becoming  broader  and 
the  canebrakes  with  their  hooting  owls  and  barking 
alligators,  had  given  place  to  rice  fields,  which  ex 
tended  back  farther  than  the  eye  could  reach  on  either 
side. 

The  morning  of  the  5th  we  heard  for  the  first  time 
the  welcome  sound  of  a  cannon,  the  morning  gun  of  a 
blockader.  This  indeed  was  sweet  to  us,  announcing 
that  we  were  not  many  miles  from  safety.  We  had 
made  forty  miles  during  the  night  and  this  morning 
tied  up  in  a  canebrake,  back  of  which  were  rice  fields. 
The  canebrake  had  formerly  been  a  rice  field  and  the 
dikes,  still  intact,  were  grown  up  to  cane.  There  was 
no  sign  of  man  or  house  anywhere.  We  built  a  fire  and 
cooked  our  chickens  and  potatoes  over  the  coals.  The 
day  was  spent  in  eating,  sleeping  and  speculating  as  to 
the  prospects  of  our  reaching  the  gunboat  in  the  morn 
ing,  we  supposing  that  she  lay  immediately  off  the 
mouth  of  the  Santee.  At  dark  we  resumed  the  voyage 
in  high  spirits  and  continuing  on  all  night  without  any 
interruption  at  daylight  found  that  we  were  in  an 
open  country  of  rice  fields,  with  no  cane  and  no  woods 
to  be  seen  anywhere.  We  could  not  hide  the  boat,  but 
had  to  tie  her  up  to  the  bank  in  plain  sight.  The  day 
of  tlie  6th  was  cold  and  the  sky  cloudy,  but  it  was 
deemed  hazardous  to  build  a  fire,  so  we  ate  our  pota 
toes,  the  only  commissary  stores  left,  raw.  In  this 
state  we  found  them  palatable  and  far  better  than  no 
food  at  all.  It  soon  began  to  rain,  a  favorable  circum 
stance  however,  as  the  chances  of  our  being  discovered 
wrere  less,  and  we  were  ready  to  endure  anything  rather 
than  be  recaptured.  The  rice  fields  were  filled  with 
immense  flocks  of  geese,  brant,  ducks  and  sea  fowls, 


534  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

which  kept  up  a  ceaseless  clatter,  but  it  was  not  an 
noying  and  afforded  us  some  amusement.  About  ten 
o'clock  a  boat  was  seen  coming  down  the  river  and  as 
it  was  filled  with  men  caused  us  some  anxiety.  On  a 
nearer  approach  the  crew  proved  to  be  negroes.  As 
they  came  near  Captain  Nichols  w^ent  out  in  the  canoe 
and  hailed  them.  He  told  them  who  and  what  we 
wrere  and  made  inquiries  as  to  the  distance  from  the 
Union  lines.  They  said  that  three  miles  below  on  the 
left  bank  was  McClellansville,  where  there  were  rebel 
batteries  ancl  soldiers,  and  that  we  would  have  to  be 
careful  if  we  got  safely  by.  They  also  said  that  an 
other  night's  voyage  should  put  us  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Santee.  They  promised  not  to  reveal  our  presence  to 
any  one  and  went  on.  We  had  some  doubts  as  to  the 
outcome,  and  kept  a  sharp  watch  all  day  and  ourselves 
well  concealed. 

When  night  came  we  felt  relieved  and  set  out  on 
the  voyage,  fondly  hoping  the  morrow  would  witness 
our  release  from  rebeldom  and  arrival  under  the  Old 
Flag.  We  proceeded  very  slowly  and  cautiously  for 
about  three  miles,  when  we  came  in  sight  of  Mc 
Clellansville  and  its  fortifications.  We  could  see  a 
sentinel  walking  back  and  forth  on  the  parapet.  The 
night  was  so  still  we  could  hear  him  humming  a  tune 
.  as  we  crept  along  the  right  bank  of  the  river  on  the 
opposite  side.  Our  boat  made  some  noise  as  it  grated 
against  the  rice  overhanging  the  banks,  which  seemed 
very  loud,  and  we  expected  the  sentinel  would  see  and 
halt  us,  then  fire  his  gun  and  alarm  the  garrison,  when 
cannon  would  no  doubt  have  been  trained  on  us,  but 
somewhat  to  our  surprise  as  well  as  joy,  this  did  not 
occur.  We  soon  passed  out  of  sight  and  sailed  on  with 
lighter  hearts.  Only  one  more  peril  then  remained  to 
be  overcome  before  reaching  our  lines,  the  rebel  picket 
boats  at  the  mouth  of  the  river.  The  night  passed  away 
without  further  adventures,  and  at  daylight  we  found 
ourselves  near  the  mouth  of  the  Santee,  here  two  miles 
broad. 

The  7th  of  December  was  cold  and  rain  falling. 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  535 

While  looking  around  for  a  suitable  hiding  place,  to 
our  dismay  the  tide  went  out,  leaving  our  boat  high 
and  dry  thirty  yards  from  shore.  Here  was  a  dilemma, 
but  we  all  lay  low,  occupying  the  time  in  chewing  sweet 
potatoes  and  grumbling.  Meantime  it  continued  to 
rain,  which  w^as  fortunate  as  we  lay  ins  full  view  of  the 
whole  country  round,  and  could  see  the  village  of 
Georgetown  a  few  miles  away.  At  eleven  o'clock  the 
tide  returned,  and  we  soon  put  the  boat  inshore  under 
the  lee  of  a  rice  field,  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  old  San- 
tee  canal,  which  runs  to  Georgetown,  connecting  it 
with  the  river.  This  had  not  been  used  for  some  time. 
Here  we  lay  all  day,  much  disappointed  that  there 
were  no  signs  of  our  blockader  anywhere.  A  more 
rainy,  dismal  day  would  be  hard  to  imagine,  and  yet 
the  conditions  were  all  in  our  favor.  Had  it  been 
pleasant,  people  would  have  been  out  and  our  pres 
ence  might  have  become  known  to  our  enemies,  who 
would  have  attempted  our  capture.  The  day  wore 
slowly  away  in  discussing  the  situation  and  planning 
for  reaching  our  lines.  There  was  only  one  feasible 
scheme,  which  was  to  run  out  to  sea  after  dark  and 
take  our  chances  of  finding  the  blockader,  which  we 
knew  must  lie  in  the  vicinity.  While  thus  waiting  we 
had  occasional  visits  from  sharks,  wThich  came  in  from 
sea  in  search  of  their  prey.  They  at  least  furnished 
us  food  for  reflection.  But  at  last  the  long  day  ended  in 
darkness,  inky  black  clouds  hung  low  in  the  horizon, 
whilst  the  billows  of  an  ocean  I  had  never  seen  before, 
roared  in  our  ears.  Our  time  had  come,  and  we  sailed 
out  on  the  now  troubled  waters  with  some  misgivings, 
unexpressed  however,  but  we  were  fully  determined  to 
succeed  or  die  in  the  attempt.  Our  progress  was  slow, 
the  wind  and  tide  being  against  us,  and  the  huge 
waves  rolling  in,  tossing  our  boat  here  and  there,  but 
with  two  men  at  each  oar  we  'finally  reached  the  mouth. 
We  knew  that  picket  boats  should  be  in  this  vicinity, 
and  were  congratulating  ourselves  on  having  eluded 
them,  when  loud  and  clear,  there  broke  upon  our  ears 
through  the  dakness,  the  inquiry  and  command  from 


536  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FOURTH 

a  little  distance  to  the  right,  "Boat  ahoy!  Who  are 
you?  Come  to!"  And  we  did  come  to  the  oars  with  a 
vengeance,  and  pulled  for  our  lives.  Captain  Wall  of 
the  Sixty-ninth  New  York  yelled  back  more  forcibly 
than  elegantly  to  the  enemy,  "Go  to  h — 11!"  They 
did  not  seem  to  like  this  and  began  firing,  the  bullets 
whistling  around  lively,  but  hitting  only  the  boat. 
Meantime  we  were  pushing  as  fast  as  possible  with  our 
clumsy  boat  up  the  coast.  In  our  haste  we  ran  aground 
on  a  bar  and  stuck  fast.  The  picket  boat  began  pulling 
for  us.  Seeing  this,  Colonel  Sanford  said,  "Boys,  we 
can't  get  off,  every  man  look  out  for  himself."  So  we 
jumped  into  the  water  and  made  for  the  low  coast 
which  was  not  far  off,  but  were  well  wet  before  we  got 
there,  sometimes  sinking  in  the  sand  to  our  knees.  All, 
however,  safely  reached  the  shore.  Supposing  that  we 
wrould  be  pursued,  we  traveled  up  the  beach  very  fast 
for  a  mile  or  more,  when  utterly  exhausted  we  paused. 
No  pursuers  being  in  sight,  we  concluded  to  stay  where 
we  were  for  the  night.  We  then  knew  that  wre  were 
on  South  Island,  a  low  sand  bank  covered  with  a  small 
shrubby  growth  of  vegetation.  In  the  scanty  shelter 
of  this  we  spent  the  night,  but  not  in  sleep.  We  were 
cold,  wet,  and  hungry,  while  above  all,  weighed  on  our 
minds  the  question,  what  of  the  morrow?  Shall  we 
escape  finally?  Some  had  doubts.  Sanford  and  my 
self  were  hopeful,  and  he  remarked,  "We  will  eat  break 
fast  in  the  morning  on  board  the  gunboat."  That  I  was 
not  in  despair  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  while  in 
this  apparently  desperate  strait  on  South  Island,  I 
picked  up  and  put  in  my  pocket  two  shells  as  memen 
toes  of  the  place.  But  above  all  I  seemed  to  hear  from 
above  the  words,  "I  will  deliver  thee.*'  In  such  mo 
ments  and  when  cornered,  one  appeals  to  and  thinks 
of  God. 

On  December  8th,  at  the  first  gray  streak  of  dawn 
looking  upon  us  from  a  leaden  sky,  cold  and  cheerless, 
we  saw  the  lighthouse,  and  outside  the  harbor  we  be 
held  a  more  welcome  sight,  the  spars  and  tall  masts 
of  a  ship.  This  could  be  no  other  than  Uncle  Sam's. 


REGIMENT   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  537 

We  at  once  raised  a  signal  of  distress,  one  of  the  party, 
contributing  bis  only  and  last  shirt  for  the  purpose. 
We  also  ran  up  and  down  the  beach  in  great  joy, 
hoping  to  be  observed  and  rescued  before  the  enemy  at 
Georgetown  or  elsewhere  should  see  us.  The  ship  lay 
several  miles  out  and  it  was  some  time  before  we  saw 
any  signs  from  it,  but  at  last,  it  seemed  an  age,  a  small 
boat  filled  with  men  hove  in  sight.  At  first  we  feared 
they  might  be  enemies,  but  as  the  boat  came  nearer 
we  recognized — glorious  sight!  the  "Old  Flag."  When 
within  speaking  distance,  an  officer  hailed  us  through 
a  trumpet,  "Who  are  you?"  We  replied,  "Escaped 
prisoners  of  war,  Federal  officers!"  Soon  after,  not 
fully  satisfied  that  it  was  not  some  rebel  ruse,  he  hailed 
again.  This  time  fully  convinced,  the  boat  was  pulled 
rapidly  in,  and  as  it  approached,  we  waded  out,  and 
seizing  hold  of  the  gunwales,  crawled  on  board.  Our 
emotions  were  of  course  intense.  No  language  or  elo 
quence  could  at  that  moment  have  expressed  fully  our 
joy  and  gratitude.  Some  cried,  others  laughed.  It 
seemed  too  good  to  be  true.  Above  us  waved  the  Starry 
Banner — the  emblem  of  the  free.  Around  us  were 
the  gallant  tars  of  the  American  navy.  We  soon  be 
came  acquainted  with  Ensign  Thomas,  the  officer  in 
command,  and  also  with  the  crew. 

The  first  excitement  being  over,  our  hunger  next 
claimed  attention.  Having  lived  for  the  last  few  days 
on  raw  potatoes,  we  wrere  ready  for  something  better. 
The  Ensign  brought  out  the  bread  bag,  and  while  some 
ate,  others  asked  for  tobacco.  Meantime  the  boat  with 
sail  and  oar  was  rapidly  making  for  the  ship.  But  the 
tide  was  low  and  she  grounded  several  times.  We 
then  lightened  her  by  springing  out,  hanging  to  her 
side,  and  soon  reached  deep  water,  when  we  had  no 
further  trouble.  This  was  a  regular  picket  boat,  her 
crew  armed  with  rifles  and  revolvers,  while  a  small 
howitzer  pointed  from  her  bow,  shotted  and  ready 
for  action.  We  now  sailed  gaily  over  the  sea  and  soon 
reached  the  Nipsic.  I  never  saw  anything  half  so 
big  or  noble  as  the  gallant  ship  appeared  to  me  then, 


538  THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND   FOURTH 

lying  at  anchor  under  close  reefed  sails,  her  decks 
covered  with  officers  and  men  waiting  to  receive  us. 
They  gave  a  cheer  as  we  climbed  up  the  sides  and  stood 
on  deck  under  the  Stars  and  Stripes  once  more.  The 
officers,  thirteen  in  number,  hurried  us  into  the  cabin, 
where  we  found  a  good  fire.  The  ship's  Quartermaster, 
Lieutenant  Mansfield,  provided  each  of  us  with  a  new 
suit  of  seaman's  clothing,  and  in  a  few  moments  we 
had  discarded  our  old  and  filthy  rags  with  a  promising 
crop  of  "graybacks,"  and  cast  them  into  the  sea.  Most 
of  us  were  nearly  naked.  Lieutenant  Clancy,  Sixty- 
ninth  New  York,  had  no  outside  clothing  at  all,  not 
even  a  hat.  All  of  us  were  completely  chilled  through 
when  we  arrived,  but  under  the  influence  of  our  warm 
reception;  our  new  clothes;  a  hot  fire;  the  prospect  of 
breakfast;  and  our  metamorphosis  generally,  we  soon 
began  to  thaw  out  and  to  feel  like  new  men.  The 
Nipsic  had  been  there  eighteen  months  on  blockading 
duty,  and  anything  to  vary  the  monotony  was  wel 
comed.  At  eight  o'clock  we  sat  down  to  the  first  square 
meal  some  of  us  had  tasted  in  over  a  year,  w^hich  was 
duly  appreciated.  These  old  sea  dogs  were  not  in  the 
habit  of  doing  things  by  halves,  and  we  found  the  table 
supplied  with  all  the  necessaries  and  many  of  the  lux 
uries  of  life.  Every  few  weeks  a  supply  ship  goes 
around  to  the  blockaders  with  fresh  supplies  and  mail. 
One  was  now  daily  expected  and  on  this  we  could  re 
sume  our  journey. 

The  day  was  most  agreeably  spent  in  getting  ac 
quainted  with  our  new  friends,  relating  our  expe 
riences,  and  in  walking  the  deck,  trying  to  look  at  ease 
in  our  new  clothes,  while  studying  at  the  same  time 
how  to  preserve  the  proper  equilibrium  of  step  and 
carriage,  a  somewhat  difficult  task  in  a  choppy  sea. 
When  night  came  the  officers  gave  up  their  state  rooms 
to  the  party.  There  not  being  enough,  two  of  us  slept 
in  hammocks  swung  in  the  cabin.  About  ten  o'clock  a 
gale  sprung  up  and  the  Nipsic  put  to  sea  to  avoid  any 
possibility  of  being  driven  ashore.  The  next  morning 
she  returned  to  her  old  position. 


REGIMENT  ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS.  539 

On  the  third  day,  the  supply  ship  not  having  ar 
rived,  and  being  anxious  to  proceed,  Captain  Selfridge 
put  us  on  a  small  sailboat  manned  by  an  Ensign  and 
two  men.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  we  bade  a 
heartfelt  farewell  to  the  officers  and  men  of  the  Nipsic, 
and  with  three  cheers  for  them  and  the  flag,  sailed 
away  for  Charleston,  fifty-four  miles  distant.  Our 
course  was  down  the  coast,  but  the  wind  was  so  light 
that  we  did  not  arrive  at  our  destination  until  the 
next  morning,  when  we  reported  to  the  ship  John 
Adams  and  were  given  breakfast.  There  were  no 
hostilities  on  account  of  a  flag  of  truce.  A  dozen 
monitors  and  numerous  other  war  vessels  lay  near  by, 
all  of  which  were  exceedingly  interesting  to  us.  In 
the  afternoon  we  were  transferred  to  the  steamer 
James  Adger.  The  next  morning  we  reached  Hilton 
Head.  Here  we  succeeded  in  drawing  some  money  from 
Uncle  Sam's  paymaster.  After  waiting  several  days 
we  embarked  on  the  steamer  Fulton  and  upon  our  ar 
rival  at  New  York  received  orders  to  report  at  Wash 
ington,  where  we  were  interviewed  by  Secretary  Stan- 
ton,  paid  more  money  due  us,  and  given  leave  of  ab 
sence  for  thirty  days.  I  had  been  one  month  on  the 
journey  from  Columbia  when  I  finally  reached  my  old 
home  in  Illinois. 

My  return  to  the  army  and  participation  in  the 
closing  scenes  of  the  Great  Rebellion  are  not  pertinent 
to  this  narrative. 


YC  51 


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